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Provider: State of Mind Psychotherapy, Counselling & Education
Delivery: Online (Live via Zoom or equivalent)
Duration: 10 Weeks | 2 Hours per Week
Award: Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies

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Course Description:

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The Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies is a comprehensive, evidence-based programme designed to deepen understanding of addiction and enhance professional competencies in working with individuals affected by substance use and behavioural addictions. Delivered online over 10 weeks, this diploma is suitable for psychotherapists, counsellors, healthcare workers, educators, social care professionals, and anyone with a professional or personal interest in addiction and recovery.

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Grounded in a trauma-informed and integrative framework, the course explores the psychological, neurobiological, social, and cultural dimensions of addiction. Each weekly module combines theory with practical case examples, group discussions, and reflective practice to ensure applied learning. Participants will gain tools for assessment, intervention planning, and ethical decision-making, while also learning about recovery models, relapse prevention, and self-care in the therapeutic relationship.

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Whether you’re new to the field or seeking to build on existing experience, this diploma offers a valuable and accessible foundation in addiction studies — equipping you to support clients with empathy, clinical insight, and professional integrity.

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Learning Outcomes:

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By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

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• Understand the key theories and models of addiction and recovery.

• Identify the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms underlying addictive behaviours.

• Recognise the role of trauma, mental health, and social context in addiction.

• Apply ethical principles and professional boundaries in addiction-related work.

• Use practical tools for assessment, treatment planning, and relapse prevention.

• Engage with a range of addiction treatment modalities, including harm reduction and abstinence-based models.

• Reflect on personal attitudes, biases, and the emotional demands of working with addiction.

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WEEK 1: Introduction to Addiction Studies

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Outline:

1. Welcome & Introduction to the Course

2. About State of Mind Psychotherapy, Counselling & Education

3. Learning Outcomes for Week 1

4. Defining Addiction: Key Concepts

5. Types of Addiction: Substance vs. Behavioural

6. Historical Context of Addiction

7. Myths & Misconceptions

8. Biopsychosocial Model Introduction

9. The Impact of Addiction on Individuals & Families

10. Course Roadmap (Weeks 2–10 Overview)

11. Group Discussion Questions

12. Summary & Reflections

13. Further Reading & Assignments

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WEEK 2: The Neuroscience of Addiction

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The Addicted Brain: What Science Tells Us!

1. Recap from Week 1

2. Brain Structures Involved in Addiction

3. Dopamine & the Reward Pathway

4. Neuroplasticity & Habit Formation

5. Genetic and Epigenetic Factors

6. The Role of Trauma on Brain Function

7. Substance-Induced Brain Changes

8. Withdrawal & Craving

9. Implications for Treatment

10. Video Clip: Brain Scans & Substance Use

11. Case Study Discussion

12. Summary & Learning Check

13. Homework: Brain and Addiction Reading Reflection

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WEEK 3: Psychological Theories of Addiction

Understanding the Mind of Addiction!

1. Recap from Week 2

2. Behavioural Psychology Theories

3. Cognitive Approaches (CBT models)

4. Psychodynamic Theories (Freud to Modern Interpretations)

5. Attachment & Developmental Psychology Links

6. Personality Disorders and Addiction

7. Dual Diagnosis

8. Case Examples

9. Therapist–Client Dynamics

10. Tools for Psychological Assessment

11. Group Discussion

12. Summary & Learning Check

13. Homework & Reading

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WEEK 4: Social and Cultural Aspects of Addiction

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Addiction in Society: Influence and Stigma!

1. Recap from Week 3

2. Social Learning Theory

3. Environmental & Peer Influences

4. Cultural Norms & Substance Use

5. Socioeconomic Determinants

6. Stigma, Shame, and Marginalisation

7. Addiction in Minority Populations

8. Public Health Responses

9. Media Representations

10. Ethical Considerations

11. Group Activity: Cultural Case Scenarios

12. Summary & Reflections

13. Reading & Research Prompt

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WEEK 5: Substances of Abuse

Common Addictive Substances: Effects & Risks!

1. Recap from Week 4

2. Alcohol

3. Cannabis

4. Stimulants (Cocaine, Meth)

5. Opiates (Heroin, Prescription Painkillers)

6. Benzodiazepines & Prescription Misuse

7. Tobacco & Nicotine

8. Polydrug Use

9. Harm Reduction Strategies

10. Trends in Substance Use (Local & Global)

11. Guest Speaker Video (if available)

12. Summary & Assessment Check-In

13. Suggested Readings

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WEEK 6: Behavioural Addictions

When Behaviours Become Addictive!

1. Recap from Week 5

2. Defining Behavioural Addictions

3. Gambling Disorder

4. Gaming & Internet Addiction

5. Sex & Love Addiction

6. Shopping / Spending Addiction

7. Food and Eating Disorders

8. Controversies in Diagnosis

9. Treatment Considerations

10. Client Case Profiles

11. Group Roleplay Activity

12. Summary

13. Homework: Reflection Journal

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WEEK 7: Trauma, Mental Health & Addiction

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Wounded Roots: Addiction and Trauma!

1. Recap from Week 6

2. Defining Trauma

3. ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)

4. PTSD and Complex PTSD

5. The Role of Dissociation

6. Addiction as Coping Mechanism

7. Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

8. Therapeutic Approaches (e.g. IFS, EMDR overview)

9. Vicarious Trauma for Practitioners

10. Trauma-Informed Care Principles

11. Group Reflection

12. Summary & Learning Quiz

13. Trauma-Reading Assignment

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WEEK 8: Assessment and Treatment Planning

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Working with Addiction: Tools and Interventions!

1. Recap from Week 7

2. Stages of Change Model

3. Screening Tools (AUDIT, DAST, etc.)

4. Risk Assessment

5. Creating a Treatment Plan

6. Person-Centred Approaches

7. Motivational Interviewing Techniques

8. CBT in Addiction Treatment

9. Relapse Prevention

10. Case Study Walkthrough

11. Ethical Boundaries & Confidentiality

12. Summary & Application Task

13. Assignment Brief

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WEEK 9: Treatment Modalities & Recovery

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Pathways to Recovery: What Works?

1. Recap from Week 8

2. Harm Reduction vs. Abstinence

3. Residential Rehab Programs

4. Outpatient & Community Services

5. 12-Step Models (AA/NA)

6. SMART Recovery

7. Psychotherapy Modalities in Practice

8. Role of Family Therapy

9. Building Recovery Capital

10. Peer Support & Aftercare

11. Guest Recovery Speaker (if possible)

12. Summary

13. Reflective Homework

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WEEK 10: Professional Practice & Ethical Issues

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Ethics, Boundaries, and Professionalism in Addiction Work

1. Final Session Overview

2. Code of Ethics (IACP, CORU, etc.)

3. Confidentiality and Safeguarding

4. Dual Relationships & Boundaries

5. Self-Care and Supervision

6. Legal and Reporting Requirements

7. Cultural Competence

8. Working Within Scope of Practice

9. Professional Development Pathways

10. Group Discussion: Ethical Scenarios

11. Final Q&A

12. Course Wrap-Up & Feedback

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN ADDICTION STUDIES- (LIVE ONLINE) 30 CPD POINTS