Key facts
UNE unit code: HLTH325
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Many Australians experience substance misuse and dependence in their lifetime. This unit introduces you to substance-related misuse and dependence, and the effects these can have on a person’s mental health and wellbeing.
Studying this unit, you will explore a range of theories, interventions, legislation, ethics, and standards underpinning people’s experience of substance misuse in Australia and understand how our local experiences can be contextualised internationally.
Guided by the principle of harm minimisation, you will examine effective communication, assessment, goal identification and evidence-based intervention, in the context of individual and group treatment. With an emphasis on the importance of reflective practice, cultural competence and outcome evaluation, you will develop the skills and knowledge needed to provide collaborative, person-centred care, able to support people to access and participate in treatment and recovery.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the range of substance misuse and dependence presentations;
- critically analyse the theoretical, legal, ethical and policy frameworks for working with people with substance misuse and dependence including evidence-based interventions;
- demonstrate the capacity to perform an assessment of substance dependence and employ common assessment tools within a harm minimisation framework;
- plan and execute collaborative client care that supports the rights of people and their carers to access and participate in their treatment and recovery in a variety of health and community settings; and
- critically reflect on and demonstrate application of evidence-based practice for substance misuse and dependence presentations that shows understanding of the psychosocial dimensions of the illness experience, and the effects on the family and significant others.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Online activities. May include online group work, online quizzes and online forum participation. No. Words: 1000 |
Assessment 1 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Written Assessment No. Words: 2000 |
Assessment 2 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Written Assessment No. Words: 2500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Learning the Language of Addiction Counseling
ISBN: 9781119433033
Miller, G., Wiley-Blackwell 5th ed. 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Harm Reduction in Substance Use and High-Risk Behaviour
ISBN: 9781405182973
Pates, R. and Riley, D., , Wiley-Blackwell 1st. 2012
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.