Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies

Provider: State of Mind Psychotherapy, Counselling & Education
Delivery: Online (Live via Zoom)
Duration: 10 Weeks | 2 Hours per Week
Award: Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies

Accredited CPD Points Awarded: 30 Points

Intakes: October 2025, January 2026 & February 2026

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Course Description:
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The Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies is a comprehensive, evidence-based programme designed to deepen understanding of addiction and enhance professional competencies in working with individuals affected by substance use and behavioural addictions. Delivered online over 10 weeks, this diploma is suitable for psychotherapists, counsellors, healthcare workers, educators, social care professionals, and anyone with a professional or personal interest in addiction and recovery.

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Grounded in a trauma-informed and integrative framework, the course explores the psychological, neurobiological, social, and cultural dimensions of addiction. Each weekly module combines theory with practical case examples, group discussions, and reflective practice to ensure applied learning. Participants will gain tools for assessment, intervention planning, and ethical decision-making, while also learning about recovery models, relapse prevention, and self-care in the therapeutic relationship.

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Whether you’re new to the field or seeking to build on existing experience, this diploma offers a valuable and accessible foundation in addiction studies — equipping you to support clients with empathy, clinical insight, and professional integrity.

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Learning Outcomes:
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By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

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• Understand the key theories and models of addiction and recovery.
• Identify the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms underlying addictive behaviours.
• Recognise the role of trauma, mental health, and social context in addiction.
• Apply ethical principles and professional boundaries in addiction-related work.
• Use practical tools for assessment, treatment planning, and relapse prevention.
• Engage with a range of addiction treatment modalities, including harm reduction and abstinence-based models.
• Reflect on personal attitudes, biases, and the emotional demands of working with addiction.
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WEEK 1: Introduction to Addiction Studies
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Outline:

Welcome & Introduction to the Course
About State of Mind Psychotherapy, Counselling & Education
Learning Outcomes for Week 1
Defining Addiction: Key Concepts
Types of Addiction: Substance vs. Behavioural
Historical Context of Addiction
Myths & Misconceptions
Biopsychosocial Model Introduction
The Impact of Addiction on Individuals & Families
Course Roadmap (Weeks 2–10 Overview)
Group Discussion Questions
Summary & Reflections
Further Reading & Assignments
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WEEK 2: The Neuroscience of Addiction
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The Addicted Brain: What Science Tells Us!

Recap from Week 1
Brain Structures Involved in Addiction
Dopamine & the Reward Pathway
Neuroplasticity & Habit Formation
Genetic and Epigenetic Factors
The Role of Trauma on Brain Function
Substance-Induced Brain Changes
Withdrawal & Craving
Implications for Treatment
Video Clip: Brain Scans & Substance Use
Case Study Discussion
Summary & Learning Check
Homework: Brain and Addiction Reading Reflection
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WEEK 3: Psychological Theories of Addiction
Understanding the Mind of Addiction!

Recap from Week 2
Behavioural Psychology Theories
Cognitive Approaches (CBT models)
Psychodynamic Theories (Freud to Modern Interpretations)
Attachment & Developmental Psychology Links
Personality Disorders and Addiction
Dual Diagnosis
Case Examples
Therapist–Client Dynamics
Tools for Psychological Assessment
Group Discussion
Summary & Learning Check
Homework & Reading
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WEEK 4: Social and Cultural Aspects of Addiction
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Addiction in Society: Influence and Stigma!

Recap from Week 3
Social Learning Theory
Environmental & Peer Influences
Cultural Norms & Substance Use
Socioeconomic Determinants
Stigma, Shame, and Marginalisation
Addiction in Minority Populations
Public Health Responses
Media Representations
Ethical Considerations
Group Activity: Cultural Case Scenarios
Summary & Reflections
Reading & Research Prompt
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Week 5: Substances of Abuse
Common Addictive Substances: Effects & Risks!

Recap from Week 4
Alcohol
Cannabis
Stimulants (Cocaine, Meth)
Opiates (Heroin, Prescription Painkillers)
Benzodiazepines & Prescription Misuse
Tobacco & Nicotine
Polydrug Use
Harm Reduction Strategies
Trends in Substance Use (Local & Global)
Guest Speaker Video (if available)
Summary & Assessment Check-In
Suggested Readings
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WEEK 6: Behavioural Addictions
When Behaviours Become Addictive!

Recap from Week 5
Defining Behavioural Addictions
Gambling Disorder
Gaming & Internet Addiction
Sex & Love Addiction
Shopping / Spending Addiction
Food and Eating Disorders
Controversies in Diagnosis
Treatment Considerations
Client Case Profiles
Group Roleplay Activity
Summary
Homework: Reflection Journal
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WEEK 7: Trauma, Mental Health & Addiction
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Wounded Roots: Addiction and Trauma!

Recap from Week 6
Defining Trauma
ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
PTSD and Complex PTSD
The Role of Dissociation
Addiction as Coping Mechanism
Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
Therapeutic Approaches (e.g. IFS, EMDR overview)
Vicarious Trauma for Practitioners
Trauma-Informed Care Principles
Group Reflection
Summary & Learning Quiz
Trauma-Reading Assignment
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WEEK 8: Assessment and Treatment Planning
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Working with Addiction: Tools and Interventions!

Recap from Week 7
Stages of Change Model
Screening Tools (AUDIT, DAST, etc.)
Risk Assessment
Creating a Treatment Plan
Person-Centred Approaches
Motivational Interviewing Techniques
CBT in Addiction Treatment
Relapse Prevention
Case Study Walkthrough
Ethical Boundaries & Confidentiality
Summary & Application Task
Assignment Brief
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WEEK 9: Treatment Modalities & Recovery
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Pathways to Recovery: What Works?

Recap from Week 8
Harm Reduction vs. Abstinence
Residential Rehab Programs
Outpatient & Community Services
12-Step Models (AA/NA)
SMART Recovery
Psychotherapy Modalities in Practice
Role of Family Therapy
Building Recovery Capital
Peer Support & Aftercare
Guest Recovery Speaker (if possible)
Summary
Reflective Homework
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WEEK 10: Professional Practice & Ethical Issues
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Ethics, Boundaries, and Professionalism in Addiction Work

Final Session Overview
Code of Ethics (IACP, CORU, etc.)
Confidentiality and Safeguarding
Dual Relationships & Boundaries
Self-Care and Supervision
Legal and Reporting Requirements
Cultural Competence
Working Within Scope of Practice
Professional Development Pathways
Group Discussion: Ethical Scenarios
Final Q&A
Course Wrap-Up & Feedback