Addiction Studies Extension Certificate

Classroom or Online
E-mail: cehealth@mtroyal.ca
Information: 403.440.6867 or toll-free 1.866.616.3606
Register: Start here
Location: Lincoln Park Campus, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW

The comprehensive Addiction Studies Extension Certificate, supported by Alberta Health Services, introduces a variety of theories and models of addiction as they relate to prevention education.

Gain an understanding of addictions, through an emphasis on current trends in the field of addiction treatment and prevention.

You may take courses in order to receive credit towards annual professional development, registration and license requirements in your field.

Course Delivery
Classroom: Class times are Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Course materials for each course, approx $10+GST, are available at the BookStore.
Online: Complete each course online via independent study within a one-month period.

Technical Requirements
It is important that you are aware of the technical requirements for using the Blackboard online learning platform prior to registering for any of the following courses. Please refer to the following link for more information: Blackboard Technical Requirements

Program Requirements
Learners must have skills in MS Word to succeed in this program. Please log in to your Blackboard course on the official course start date and refer to your Course Outline for assignment due dates.

Course Expectations
The listed course hours indicate the estimated time for students to review the online learning units. The actual time spent completing assignments will vary depending on each student’s particular learning style and level of study skills.

Earning Your Extension Certificate
This program must be completed within 3 years of commencement. Complete the 6 required courses (120 hours) in the classroom, online or a combination. 80% attendance required for classroom.

Career Outlook
The Addiction Studies Extension Certificate is an excellent opportunity for human service practitioners to learn about addictions. Earning your certificate may qualify you to work in an entry-level position in the health and human service field.

Required Courses

Introduction to Addictions Perspectives
Gain an overview of several topics related to addiction, including behaviour dependencies, and the relationship between addiction, the individual, society and the environment. Examine attitudes about alcohol, drug, and tobacco use. Review different theories on substance abuse, and identify signs and symptoms of substance abuse.
Note: This course is the prerequisite to all other courses in the certificate.
Course materials: approx. $10+GST at the BookStore.

Drugs, How They Work, Their Effects
Acquire basic knowledge of how drugs are used and metabolized by the body. Discuss pharmacological terminology and the various drugs used to treat psychiatric conditions. 
Prerequisite: Introduction to Addictions Perspectives
Course materials: approx. $10+GST at the BookStore

Working with Adolescents
Explore how behavioural and developmental issues affect individual and group treatment activities. Examine intervention strategies, relapse and relapse prevention, and after-care needs for the adolescent. Explore gender-specific issues in relation to development and treatment needs. 
Prerequisite: Introduction to Addictions Perspectives
Course materials: approx. $10+GST at the BookStore

Family and Addiction
Examine ways in which alcohol and other drug dependencies intrude on family dynamics. Explore the inter-relationships between family systems, dependency and drug use patterns. Symptoms of drug dependence within the family and the subsequent impact on family roles are also covered.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Addiction Perspectives
Course materials: approx. $10+GST at the BookStore

Special Topics in Addiction
Current addiction issues in Calgary deal with gambling, violence, spirituality and populations at risk, including aboriginal peoples, the elderly and women. Hear from local experts in this interactive speaker series. Each class introduces a different guest speaker to conduct a workshop in his or her area of expertise. 
Prerequisite: Introduction to Addictions Perspective
Course materials: approx. $10+GST at the BookStore

Community-Based Prevention
Community involvement is an important strategy to help people address alcohol and other drug issues in their environment. Community-based prevention programs are designed to prevent or reduce the risk of developing substance abuse problems. Examine models of community collaboration, prevention programming, health promotion and harm reduction.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Addictions Perspectives
Course materials: approx. $10+GST at the BookStore

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