Australian figures for the incidence of substance abuse are high and cause for concern due to the impact not just on individuals but also on families, groups and communities. Students are introduced to the complexity of substance abuse and problems related to addictive behaviours in order to develop a well informed and critical stance towards prevailing judgments shaped by social media. Students will examine the issues and research findings surrounding addictive behaviours and compulsions and the theory and practice of working with clients who struggle with these issues. Recent and local community based approaches to the treatment of gambling will receive particular attention because they incorporate the research findings on the importance of restoring a sense of connection and purpose. AA and Christian approaches will also be examined and explored. Topics: 1. A systemic view of addictions 2. Patterns of addictive and compulsive behaviours 3. Definitions and origins of drugs and psychoactive drugs and effects 4. Factors in drug using behaviour 5. When use is abuse, including DSM-V criteria 6. Pornography use & Sexual addiction 7. Gambling 8. Other addictions and compulsions 9. Co-morbidity 10. Introduction to strategies for intervention 11. Holistic approaches to intervention 12. Counselor and counselling issues of direct relevance to addiction