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Learning Partnerships, Unit Catalogue 2008/09


AS10175 Harm reduction approaches & pharmacological interventions

Credits: 6
Level: Certificate
Semester: 1 at Action on Addiction
Assessment: CW 50%, ES 50%
Requisites:
Aims: This unit aims to:
* Explore the history and development of harm reduction approaches
* Develop understanding of current harm reduction interventions and intiatives, their rationale and implementation
* Critically examine the evidence of the impact of interventions in reducing drug related harm
* Examine the relationship between harm reduction and abstinence based philosophies
* Review current developments in pharmacological treatments for drug dependence
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this unit students will be able to:
* Explain what factors led to the development of a Harm Reduction response to problem drug use in the UK
* Describe the rationale for and delivery of current harm reduction interventions
* Evaluate key evidence concerning the effectiveness of HR approaches
* Describe a range of pharmacological treatments currently used in the management of substance dependence
* Help clients identify risk for drug related harm and access appropriate services
Skills:

* Analysing how social, political and medical pressures shaped policy and produced practical responses
* Evaluating research evidence
* Identifying risk for drug related harm
* Reviewing available services and ensuring client access
Content:
This unit is concerned with:
* Historical development of the Harm Reduction response
* Services promoting safer using practices
* Substitute prescribing
* Medications used in detoxification
* Anti-craving and relapse prevention medications.