This course was developed to improve access to services by helping a wide range of employees and volunteers build the knowledge, self-awareness, and skills to better support and provide services to people living with an addiction.

By the end of the course, participants will:

  • Gain a better understanding of addiction
  • Learn effective, practical skills to increase comfort in responding in a positive and respectful way
  • Develop confidence in working with challenging clients while protecting workplace safety
  • Build greater comfort in having conversations that promote inclusion and healthy communities

The course is delivered through eight interactive online lessons. Each 60 to 90-minute lesson features opportunities for personal reflection, downloadable resources for in-person learning, and an open forum for discussion. Participants have three months to work through the lessons at their convenience and can start the training at any point during the three months.

Course Curriculum

An Overview Of What Is Covered

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Welcome to Understanding Addiction!

    • What to Expect During This Program

    • Pre-Course Survey
  • 2

    Module 1: The Meaning of Health

    • Introduction to Module 1: The Meaning of Health

    • Attitudes

    • Knowledge

    • Skills

    • Competence
  • 3

    Module 2: People, Substances, Gambling and Sex

    • Introduction to Module 2: People, Substances, Gambling and Sex

    • Attitudes

    • Knowledge

    • Skills

    • Competence
  • 4

    Module 3: Addiction and the Problem of Control

    • Introduction to Module 3: Addiction and the Problem of Control

    • Attitudes

    • Knowledge

    • Skills

    • Competence
  • 5

    Module 4: Helping People Change

    • Introduction to Module 4: Helping People Change

    • Attitudes

    • Knowledge

    • Skills

    • Competence
  • 6

    Module 5: Frogs in a Pond

    • Introduction to Module 5: Frogs in a Pond

    • Attitudes

    • Knowledge

    • Skills

    • Competence
  • 7

    Module 6: Shaping Healthy Communities

    • Introduction to Module 6: Shaping Healthy Communities

    • Attitudes

    • Knowledge

    • Skills

    • Competence
  • 8

    Module 7: Dealing with Difficult Situations

    • Introduction to Module 7: Dealing with Difficult Situations

    • Attitudes

    • Knowledge

    • Skills

    • Competence
  • 9

    Module 8: An Expert Friend — A Friendly Expert

    • Introduction to Module 8: An Expert Friend - A Friendly Expert

    • Attitudes

    • Knowledge

    • Skills

    • Level of Competence

    • Competence
  • 10

    Survey

    • Post-Course Survey

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