Addiction Studies Extension Certificate

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Addiction studies involve all aspects of addiction from initial understanding to prevention and treatment. It looks into how addiction affects people’s mental health, as well as their families and friends.

Current approaches and trends in addiction studies and treatment drive this in-depth program. Six online courses focus on addiction issues as they relate to health, mental health, social work, human resources and law enforcement. Learn about prevention, treatment, youth, physical and psychological addiction, mental health and family dynamics in this demanding field.

Through these online courses, gain an understanding of theories and models of substance abuse, indicators of dependence, and intervention and treatment strategies. Develop a deeper understanding of the most commonly assessed mental health and addiction-related issues, and how families influence and are influenced by addiction.

Acquire basic knowledge of drug classification systems and their physiological effects, as well as examining drug dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, methods of administration and motivating factors for drug use. As you work towards understanding adolescents and the unique considerations for this age group and addiction, you’ll examine the biological, cognitive and social development of adolescents.

Please note: This program is for those in the human service professions to support individuals experiencing an addiction. Becoming a Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor requires the education and training listed on the CACCF website. If you have any questions about our program, contact our program team.

Professionals or para-professionals in the health and human service areas can achieve professional development with these courses. Each course is approved for 20 continuing education hours (CEUs) through the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF). You can also take courses for personal interest.