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. |