RUS6101 Drug abuse related social and health issues

Contents and structure

The course centers on the history of intoxicants and various paradigm shifts within the field of drug abuse. Various theoretical perspectives will be used to obtain knowledge of the relation between biological, psychological, cultural, social and health-related conditions that influence the perspective on drug abuse and its development. During instruction emphasis will be placed on consciousness-raising in connection with one's own theoretical and professional foundation, and ethical approaches and client participation.

Learning Outcome

• has comprehensive knowledge of different perspectives and ideological development in the social and health sciences related to people struggling with drug abuse
• has comprehensive knowledge of different ethical perspectives and how these can be utilised within the context of drug-related problems
• has comprehensive knowledge of different psychological and social theories behind drug abuse, together with a thorough understanding of the development of addiction
• has comprehensive knowledge of intoxicants, epidemiology, consumption development, biological, pharmacological and toxicological aspects of drug abuse
• has comprehensive knowledge of normality and deviance, client participation and the significance of empowerment in connection with drug abuse and mental health

• is able to display a comprehensive understanding for special challanges drug abuse involves
• is able to identify and deal reflectively and critically with the ethical and moral challanges of the subject area
• is able to identify and employ models for coping and empowerment in practical exercises and reflection
• is able to practice systematic literature searches, criticism of the sources and have a command of academic writing
• is able to dispay insight and understanding of professional and ethical problems by reflecting over one's own practice in reflection groups

• is able to evaluate and analyse various relevant social, medical and cultural factors for prevention and treatment of drug abuse
• is conscious of ethical problems within the field of drug abuse, and is able to implement measures contributing to coping and empowerment for the user
• is able to formulate and discuss problems for discussion using one's own subject area as a starting point

Entry requirements

None

Teaching methods

Lectures divided into three week assemblies as well as tutorials, teamwork and self-tuition

Compulsory learning activities

Yes

Assessment

Assignment, 8 weeks

Examination support material

All

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