Handbook

The course is an overview of substance use problems and the associations between substance use problems and a range of criminal behaviours and violence, and the interface with the forensic system. We will review the management of people with substance use problems in the forensic system and discuss projects such as the compulsory drug treatment program. Finally, we will look at the ethics of drug policy and harm minimisation principles. Some of the newer addictions will be mentioned.  

This course will cover the following material:

• Understanding the nature of substances including alcohol, amphetamines and methamphetamine, cannabis, opioids and other special groups. 
• Understanding the bio-psycho-social model of drug use.
• The psychiatry of substance abuse.
• Treatment and control of substance abuse.
• Association between addictive behaviours, substance use and a range of criminal behaviours and violence.
• Explore the interface between substance use and the Criminal Justice System including NSW Drug Court and therapeutic jurisprudence.
• Ethics of drug policy and harm minimisation principles.
• Substance use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Dual Diagnosis treatment strategies and models of care.