Diploma in Addiction Studies

Lecture One: Introduction to Addiction

This lecture aims to act as an introduction to the concept of addiction as defined by the terms Substance Disorders within the ICD- 10 and DSM IV TR. In addition to this it highlights the history of substance use and how this has been perceived by society at large drawing upon the work of M Gossop whose book Living with Drugs is essential reading for the course. Lecturer: S.O’Dowd.

Lecture Two:  Dual Diagnosis

This lecture aims to discuss the notion of co-exists psychiatric disorders and substance use addictions; its focus is to inform students of the difficulties of treating dually diagnosed clients. Students will gain an insight in to identifying comorbidity, as well as the difference between substance use disorders and co-existing disorders. My MA in Psychoanalysis [By Research] tackling the question of co-morbid disorders from both psychoanalytic perspective and the DSM and ICD-10. Reading material is taken from the second core text Key Concepts in Addiction by Dewiko, H, E. Lecturer: S O’Dowd.

Lecture Three: Non-Substance User Disorders

This lecturer seeks to discuss the notion of addictions seen as belong to a larger group of addictions. It tackles in particular the notion of sexual addiction, various eating and pathological gambling. The course material consists of the ICD-10, the work of Stevens E, and additionally draws from the core texts. Lecturer: S O’Dowd.

Lecture Four: Methadone treatment in Ireland

This lecture aims to supply the student of the historical context of MMT in Ireland whilst introducing the benefits and drawback to MMT. The course material is draw from the core texts and historically from various Health Research Board publications. This lecture includes the use of a short film on MMT by HBO.

Lecture Five: Motivational Interviewing

This lecture aims to introduce students to the varying uses this technique possesses, students will explore the benefits and drawbacks of this model, and role play techniques are used to facilitate a view of its roles in working with addicted clients. Peter is an accredited Motivational Interviewing Trainer. Lecturer: Peter Kelly.

Lecture Six: Cocaine use in Ireland

This is a shorter version of the full day training in Cocaine Use run by Peter annually for the I.A.A.A.C. It aims to highlight the signs, symptoms, and consequences of cocaine use for both the individual and society. It draws upon the core texts and publications by the Health Research Board. Lecturer P Kelly.

Lecture Seven: Working with addicts in a group context

This course draws upon the work of various group psychology theories, Freud, Lacan, and Loose. Noel draws upon the various psychoanalytic theories of group psychology and his experience of working with groups for the past eight years. Lecturer: Noel Murphy.

Lecture Eight: Cannabis use in Ireland

This text draws upon the use of media in that part of the lecture includes a short film by HBO upon the impact of cannabis use. Students will be aware the high usage of cannabis upon the individual and society, as well as the signs, symptoms and consequences of cannabis use. It additionally will draw upon the core texts. Lecturer: N Murphy.

Lecture Nine: Alcohol use in Ireland

This lecture focuses on the impact alcohol has on the individual and society as well as highlighting the signs, symptoms and consequences. It draws upon the core texts and Health Research Board publications. Lecturer: S Dillon.

Lecture Ten: C.B.C.S

This lecture seeks to introduce the use of CBCS Cognitive Behavioural Coping Skills in particular the use of Functional Analyses and Relapse Prevention techniques. Seamus completed training run by the HSE and Leeds University Addiction Unit. Lecturer: S O’Dowd.

Lecture Eleven: Twelve Step Treatment and The Disease model

This lecture will introduce students to the different variations on the disease model focusing mostly on NA as a treatment philosophy as well as the 12 Step Treatment Model and it uses in addiction treatment.

Lecture Twelve: Clinical Issues in Addiction Treatment

This lecture introduces student to some of the more problematic issues that may arise during treatment, STI’s, pregnancy, suicide, living with a terminal diagnosis. The main focus here is to show students the board range of issues that we encounter during the work with clients. It aims to highlight that the treatment of addiction covers a vast area of interest and the need for ongoing professional development.

The course is delivered by a team of specialised lecturers selected for their academic excellence, expert knowledge and clinical experience.

The course co-ordinator is Seamus O’Dowd B.A., M.A., A.P.P.I., IAAAC. Seamus’s primary background is psychoanalytic; he works as a Counsellor for the HSE Addiction Services. He was accredited as a Full Member of the I.A.A.A.C in 2000 and APPI in 2002, since then he has engaged in various teaching over a ten year period as well as engaging in private practice. Seamus is due to start a two year MSc in Bereavement Studies with the Royal College of Surgeons and the Irish Hospice Foundation in September 2010..

Noel Murphy B.A., M.A., Noel completed his B.A. in Psychoanalysis in 1999; this was followed by his M.A., in Addiction Studies in 2001. Since them he has been employed also by the HSE Addiction Services in his case as an Education Rehabilitation Officer in Soilse. Noel is currently the co-ordinator for the Soilse Centre that caters for drug free clients; however, he has 5 years experience in leading the second Soilse facility that treats those on MMT.

Peter Kelly. B.A., MSc., Peter currently teaches a Diploma in Addiction Studies for UCD through MQI. Peter holds a MSC in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from UCD and is an educational co-ordinator for MQI. Peter previously was a senior therapist in MQI’s residential facility, in addition to this Peter runs a private practice , supervises trainees, and teaches for various colleges. Peter is also a full member of both I.A.A.A.C and the Association of Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis Ireland A.P.P.I.

Sonya Dillon, Dip,. B,.A., Sonya has been working as a project worker in Soilse for the past five years. Her role has also included supervising their partnership with the Rutland Centre

This programme is aimed at those who would like to acquire a solid understanding of the major approaches to Addiction Studies, those who are hoping to work in the growing area of addiction intervention or those who have recently begun careers in this field. This course will also provide a powerful learning experience for students who work in the health, law enforcement, criminal justice or social welfare fields where they encounter people who have problems with substance misuse and associated addictive behaviours.