Contemporary Responses to Substance Use

Designed for professionals working in substance use, health and social care, criminal justice and related fields, this course develops the advanced knowledge and critical skills needed to evaluate contemporary approaches to preventing, treating and responding to problematic substance use. Participants will explore the evidence underpinning different interventions and consider how policy, practice and lived experience influence effective responses across diverse settings.

Drawing on Scottish, European and international perspectives, the course examines harm reduction, recovery, behaviour change, therapeutic and pharmacological interventions, and the wider social and environmental factors that influence outcomes. By the end of the course, you will be better equipped to evaluate evidence, inform professional decision-making and support effective, person-centred responses to substance use in practice.

To view the module descriptor (CDAS11006), please visit Programme Specifications and Module Descriptors 

 

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for professionals who support individuals, families and communities affected by substance use and want to strengthen their understanding of contemporary, evidence-informed approaches to prevention, treatment and recovery.

It is particularly relevant for:

• Professionals working in drug and alcohol services
• Practitioners in health, social care, criminal justice and related sectors
• Individuals with a degree in social, health or related sciences seeking to develop specialist expertise in substance use
• Professionals with relevant work experience who want to deepen their knowledge of evidence-based interventions and contemporary practice
• Those seeking to progress within substance use services or undertake postgraduate study in Contemporary Drug & Alcohol Studies

 

Why take this course?

Substance use is a complex and evolving issue that requires professionals to respond with evidence-informed, person-centred approaches that reflect changing policy, emerging research and diverse service user needs. Effective practice depends on understanding not only the range of available interventions, but also the evidence supporting them and the wider social, environmental and behavioural factors that influence recovery and long-term outcomes.

This course helps you develop that capability by critically examining contemporary responses to substance use across medical, public health, criminal justice, social and community settings. You will explore approaches to prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery, evaluate their effectiveness, and strengthen your ability to make informed decisions that support individuals, families and communities affected by substance use.

 

What you will learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Critically evaluate the different medical, public health, criminal justice, social and community perspectives that inform responses to substance use
• Assess the effectiveness of harm reduction and secondary prevention approaches using current evidence and research
• Evaluate behaviour change processes and the role of therapeutic, pharmacological and recovery-focused interventions in supporting positive outcomes
• Analyse how family, significant relationships and community environments influence behaviour change, recovery and long-term wellbeing
• Apply evidence-informed thinking to support professional decision-making and improve responses to problematic substance use across a range of practice settings

 

How you will learn

This course is delivered online, providing the flexibility to study alongside your professional commitments. Learning combines recorded lectures, online tutorials, small group discussions, reflective activities, group work, presentations and independent study, creating a collaborative learning experience where participants can explore evidence, share professional perspectives and apply learning to practice.

The course comprises approximately 200 hours of learning, including 36 hours of lectures and core content delivery, 24 hours of tutorial and synchronous support, and around 140 hours of independent study. Learning resources are available through the University's virtual learning environment, enabling participants to access teaching materials and recorded content at a time that suits them.

This flexible online delivery model enables you to develop advanced specialist knowledge while balancing postgraduate study with the demands of professional practice.

 

Course content

• Understanding contemporary responses

Explore the range of medical, public health, criminal justice, social and community approaches used to respond to problematic substance use across different policy and practice contexts.

• Prevention, harm reduction and treatment

Examine evidence-informed approaches to prevention, harm reduction and treatment, considering how different interventions seek to reduce the health and social impacts of substance use.

• Recovery and behaviour change

Develop an understanding of behaviour change processes, therapeutic approaches and pharmacological interventions that support recovery, relapse prevention and long-term wellbeing.

• Evidence-informed practice

Critically evaluate the research and evidence that underpin contemporary interventions, policies and professional practice, enabling informed decision-making across a range of settings.

• Social and environmental influences

Explore how family, significant relationships, communities and wider social factors shape substance use, treatment engagement and recovery outcomes.

• Applying responses in professional practice

Consider how different models of intervention can be applied within real-world contexts to improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities affected by substance use.

 

Assessment

Assessment is designed to help you apply evidence-informed approaches to substance use within realistic professional contexts, demonstrating your ability to evaluate interventions and communicate informed recommendations.

You will complete two complementary assessments: a reflective report based on your participation in a group debate exploring contemporary responses to substance use, and a presentation analysing a service user case study. Together, these assessments develop your ability to critically evaluate evidence, consider different intervention approaches, apply theory to practice and communicate complex issues clearly to a professional audience.

 

Applying your learning

Throughout the course, you will:

• Critically evaluate contemporary responses to substance use using current research and evidence
• Apply different intervention models to realistic practice scenarios, considering the needs of individuals, families and communities
• Reflect on professional perspectives through discussion, debate and case-based learning
• Consider how policy, evidence and lived experience influence decision-making and effective practice across different service settings

You will leave with:

• Greater confidence in evaluating and selecting evidence-informed responses to substance use
• Enhanced capability to apply harm reduction, treatment and recovery approaches within professional practice
• Practical skills to assess complex cases, communicate informed recommendations and support positive outcomes
• A stronger ability to contribute to effective, person-centred services that respond to the diverse needs of people affected by substance use

 

Entry requirements

This course is designed for professionals who want to develop specialist knowledge of contemporary responses to substance use and strengthen their evidence-informed practice.

As this is an SCQF Level 11 course, participants should be prepared to study at postgraduate level. The course is suitable for individuals with a degree in social, health or related sciences, as well as professionals with relevant experience working in the drug and alcohol sector who wish to deepen their expertise.

 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be awarded 20 credits at SCQF Level 11.

These credits may contribute towards further postgraduate study at UWS, where appropriate and in accordance with University regulations. This course also forms a core component of the MSc, PgDip and PgCert in Contemporary Drug & Alcohol Studies.

 

Sector and workforce relevance

Responding effectively to substance use requires professionals who can critically evaluate evidence, apply contemporary interventions and adapt their practice to meet the complex needs of individuals and communities. As policy, treatment approaches and research continue to evolve, organisations increasingly value practitioners who can make informed, evidence-based decisions across health, social care, criminal justice and community settings.

This course reflects current professional practice by examining prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery and behaviour change through multiple disciplinary perspectives. Participants will strengthen their ability to evaluate interventions, contribute to evidence-informed service development and support improved outcomes for people affected by substance use.

 

NOTE: This is a university module and upon approval of your application, you will be invited to register and then supported to complete enrolment. To enrol on the university system, the first step involves security set-up using the Microsoft Authenticator app; you will need to ensure that you have a compatible smartphone.

Further enrolment information is available at the Student Information Portal.

To access this module via the CPD route, individuals should be ordinarily resident in Scotland.