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SUBSTANCE MISUSE &
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY

What’s Included:

 

Chemical dependency and substance misuse affect people across all ages and backgrounds, and the need for effective, compassionate treatment has never been greater. This CPD Masterclass explores a wide range of legal, illegal and prescription substances, from early experimentation through to dependence, and teaches you how to work safely, confidently and therapeutically with clients, including how to navigate denial, resistance and motivation for change.

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You’ll explore:

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  • Substance misuse

Habits, addictions, misuse and dependence Understanding key definitions, patterns of use and how dependency develops.

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  • Addiction

How addiction forms, the behavioural and psychological mechanisms involved, and how it impacts daily functioning.

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  • The neurobiology of drug addiction

How substances affect the brain, reward pathways, tolerance and withdrawal.

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  • How different substances affect the brain

The specific neurological and behavioural impact of alcohol, recreational drugs, prescription medications and other chemicals.

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  • The addiction cycle

Patterns of reinforcement, escalation, relapse and the behaviours that maintain dependency.

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  • Models of addiction

Biological, psychological, social and behavioural models that inform assessment and treatment.

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  • Reasons for using

Emotional, cognitive and situational drivers behind substance use, including coping strategies and underlying vulnerabilities.

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  • Addictive personalities

Traits and patterns commonly associated with increased risk of dependency.

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  • Types of drugs / chemical substances

A clear overview of commonly misused substances, including their effects and risks.

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  • Common recreational substances

How they are used, their impact and considerations for therapeutic work.

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  • Predatory drugs

Understanding risks, effects and safeguarding considerations.

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  • Tolerance

How tolerance develops and how it influences patterns of use and withdrawal.

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  • The law

Legal classifications, implications for clients and considerations for therapists.

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  • Impact on domestic circumstances

How substance misuse affects relationships, family dynamics, work and wellbeing.

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  • Working with different types of chemical dependency

Including alcohol, smoking, recreational drugs and prescription medication misuse.

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  • Conventional interventions

Rehab options, medical treatments, structured programmes and the Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous model.

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  • Therapeutic interventions

Goal‑setting, working with denial and resistance, motivational approaches and supporting commitment to change.

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  • Specific hypnotherapeutic treatment interventions

Techniques that support behavioural change, emotional regulation and long‑term recovery.

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  • Who else should be involved?

When to collaborate with or refer to other professionals and support services.

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  • Therapist resources

Useful tools, frameworks and guidance for safe, effective practice.

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  • Case studies

Realistic examples illustrating patterns of use, treatment considerations and therapeutic approaches.

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​Additional Info:

 

CPD Hours: 15

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Cost: £125 (discount available to returning students)

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