SHORT COURSE IN THE CLINICAL MANAGEMENT OF
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
INTRODUCTION
Despite all the preventative steps substance abuse and
dependence is a growing problem worldwide as well as in South
Africa. As new and more concentrated forms of substances are
discovered or synthesised or new routes of administration
developed, new problems related to their use emerge.
Substance use has a profound impact on various aspects of
society, including the physical, spiritual and mental well-being of
individual users, their families, communities, public health, social
welfare, educational service and the criminal justice system.
Substance abuse and dependence also exacts great financial
costs on society. Alcohol misuse alone is estimated to cost the
country approximately 1% of the Gross Domestic Product.
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People with substance use problems will regularly come into
contact with healthcare service. It is therefore critically important
for every healthcare workers to have a working knowledge of
commonly used substances, to have the necessary skills to help
users address substance use problems and to be aware of local
rehabilitations services.
WHO SHOULD ENROLL?
All healthcare practitioners.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Distance education through a comprehensive self-study-guide
developed by experts in the field supported by a 2-day
interactive contacts session.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completing this course the learner will:
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Have general background about the growing substance use
problem and the development of treatment programmes
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Take note of the most commonly used substances
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Know the terminology and definitions used in substance use
problems
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Be able to differentiate between substance abuse and
dependence
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Be aware of the different factors that contribute to
development of substance use problems
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Have a basic understanding of the brain pathways,
structures and neurotransmitters involved in the
development of substance use problems
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Know the different risk factors that can contribute to
substance use problems
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Take note of the different classifications of substances
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Foundation for Professional Development (Pty) Ltd, Registration number 2000/002641/07
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Be able to classify substances into groups that is practical
for their circumstances and practice
Know which substances pose a particular problem locally
Be aware of vulnerabilities and trends of substance use in
specific groups of individuals
Be able to identify high risk groups of individuals
Have a general impression about the interaction between
substance abuse and certain disabilities
Be able to take a comprehensive history sensitive to
substance used disorder specifically
Be able to define psychiatric disorders co-morbid with
specific substances of abuse
Know about different primary prevention approaches be
able to implement prevention strategies locally
Be aware of the legislation involved when managing
patients with substance abuse problems
Be aware of different treatment approaches
Know when to refer patients
Be able to manage detoxification for different substances
Understand the impact of substance abuse in the workplace
Be able to apply general principles to legal issues relating to
substance abuse in workplace
ACCREDITATION
Accredited according to the HPCSA’s Medical and Dental Board
Guidelines for Health Care Professionals for 30 CEU’s on Level
3
CERTIFICATION
Successful participants will receive a certificate of completion for
this short course
COURSE FEES, DATES AND VENUE
Course fees, Dates and Venue to be confirmed. For more
information please see contact details below.
CONTACT DETAILS:
DANIEL DU BRUYN / MOSIMA LEGODI
TEL:
(012) 816 9000 / 9086
Fax:
086 502 4807
Email:
[email protected]/
[email protected]
Address:
P.O. Box 75324, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040
Website:
www.foundation.co.za
A member of the SAMA Group