Alcohol and Other Drugs Courses

We offer real-life work experience placements in the Hader Clinic’s rehabilitation facilities around the world.

What is Addiction Work?

Addiction work is the process of helping people with addiction disorders overcome their dependencies. It can be an extremely rewarding career, but it can also be challenging and demanding. As an addiction worker, you will be responsible for supporting clients through their journey to recovery. This may involve providing counselling and therapy, as well as practical assistance with day-to-day tasks.

Types of Addiction Courses

At Hader Institute, we offer two main addiction courses, which include the Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs and Certificate IV of Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs

The Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs is a 12-month course that will give you the skills and knowledge you need to work as an addiction worker. The course covers topics such as assessment and intervention, case management, counselling, and working with clients with co-occurring mental health conditions.

Learning objectives

The Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to:

Provide systems advocacy services:

Advocacy services explore and identify the range of support options and services available to people with addiction disorders. This includes working with clients to navigate the complex landscape of services available, as well as advocating on their behalf to ensure they receive the best possible care.

Work in an alcohol and other drugs context:

This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to work effectively with clients who have alcohol and other drug dependencies. You will learn about the different types of substances that can be abused, as well as the effects they can have on the body and mind.

Assess the needs of clients with alcohol and other drug issues:

As an addiction worker, you will be responsible for conducting assessments with clients to determine their individual needs. This course will teach you how to use a range of assessment tools, as well as how to interpret the results.

Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues:

Once you have assessed the needs of a client, you will then be responsible for providing them with the appropriate interventions. This course will teach you how to develop and deliver individualised intervention plans, as well as how to monitor and review their progress.

Develop strategies for alcohol and other drugs relapse prevention and management:

Relapse is a common occurrence in addiction recovery, and as an addiction worker, you will need to be prepared to support clients through this difficult time. This course will teach you how to develop and implement relapse prevention and monitor intervention strategies, as well as how to manage relapses when they do occur.

Provide advanced interventions to meet the needs of clients with alcohol and other drug issues:

As an addiction worker, you may be required to provide advanced interventions to meet the needs of clients with complex issues. This course will teach you how to identify and assess complex needs, as well as how to develop and deliver advanced intervention plans.

Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans:

It is important that treatment plans are tailored to the individual needs of each client. This course will teach you how to develop and review treatment plans, as well as how to monitor and evaluate their progress.

Assess co-existing needs:

Many people who suffer from addiction also have co-existing mental health conditions. This course will teach you how to assess and manage the needs of clients with co-existing mental health issues.

Establish and manage client relationships:

As an addiction worker, you will need to establish and maintain positive relationships with your clients. This course will teach you how to build rapport and trust, as well as how to effectively communicate with clients.

Work with diverse people:

Addiction workers often deal with clients from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. This course will teach you how to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, and how to tailor your services to meet their needs.

Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues:

Many people who suffer from addiction also have co-existing mental health conditions. This course will teach you how to provide services to clients with dual diagnosis

Work effectively in trauma-informed care:

This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to work effectively in a trauma-informed care setting. You will learn about the different types of trauma, as well as the effects it can have on clients.

Research and apply evidence to practise:

As an addiction worker, it is important that you keep up to date with the latest research and developments in the other drugs sector. This course will teach you how to find and use evidence-based practise, as well as how to apply it to your work.

Collaborate in professional practise:

As an addiction worker, you will need to collaborate with a range of different professionals in order to provide the best possible care for your clients. This course will teach you how to effectively communicate and work with other professionals.

Reflect on and improve own professional practise:

It is important that addiction workers reflect on their own practise in order to identify areas for improvement. This course will teach you how to reflect on your own practise, as well as how to identify and implement strategies for improvement.

Provide first aid (need to have completed unit previously, and provide valid First Aid Certificate from another provider):

This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to provide first aid in an addiction setting. You will learn how to assess and manage different types of injuries and illnesses, as well as how to provide CPR.

Certificate IV of Alcohol and Other Drugs

The Certificate IV of Alcohol and Other Drugs is a qualification that will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to work as an addiction worker. This course will provide you with an overview of the alcohol and other drugs sector, as well as teach you how to effectively work with clients.

Learning Objectives

The Certificate IV of Alcohol and Other Drugs has been designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to work as an addiction worker. Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

Work in an alcohol and other drugs context:

This course will provide you with an overview of the alcohol and other drugs sector, as well as teach you how to effectively work with clients. You will learn about the different types of substances, as well as the effects they can have on people's lives.

Assess the needs of clients with alcohol and other drug issues:

As an addiction worker, you will need to be able to assess the needs of your clients. This course will teach you how to effectively assess the needs of clients, as well as how to develop individualised care plans.

Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues:

This course will teach you how to provide interventions for clients with alcohol and other drugs issues. You will learn about a range of different interventions, as well as how to tailor them to meet the needs of individual clients.

Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans:

As an addiction worker, you will need to be able to develop and review individual treatment plans. This course will teach you how to effectively develop and review treatment plans, as well as how to monitor client progress.

Assess co-existing needs:

Many clients who present to addiction services also have co-existing needs, such as mental health issues. This course will teach you how to assess and manage co-existing needs, as well as how to refer clients to appropriate services.

Provide brief interventions:

This course will teach you how to provide brief interventions for clients with alcohol and other drugs issues. You will learn about a range of different interventions, as well as how to tailor them to meet the needs of individual clients.

Use communication to build relationships:

As an addiction worker, you will need to be able to effectively communicate with clients. This course will teach you how to build positive relationships with clients, as well as how to communicate effectively in difficult situations.

Work with diverse people:

As an addiction worker, you will need to be able to work with a diverse range of clients. This course will teach you how to effectively work with clients from different backgrounds, as well as how to respond to difficult situations.

Work legally and ethically:

As an addiction worker, you will need to be aware of the legal and ethical issues that can arise in your work. This course will teach you how to work within the law, as well as how to ethically and morally justify your actions.

Work with people with mental health issues:

Many clients who present to addiction services also have mental health issues. This course will teach you how to effectively work with clients with mental health issues, as well as how to refer them to appropriate services.

Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships:

As an addiction worker, you will need to be able to develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships. This course will teach you how to effectively develop and maintain networks, as well as how to negotiate and resolve conflict.

Provide first aid (need to have completed unit previously and provide a valid First Aid certificate):

As an addiction worker, you will need to be able to provide first aid. This course will teach you how to effectively provide first aid, as well as how to manage common first aid situations.

Plan, facilitate and review psycho-educational groups:

As an addiction worker, you will need to be able to plan, facilitate and review psycho-educational groups. This course will teach you how to effectively plan, facilitate and review psycho-educational groups, as well as how to evaluate their effectiveness.

Process and maintain workplace information:

As an addiction worker, you will need to be able to process and maintain workplace information. This course will teach you how to effectively process and maintain workplace information, as well as how to comply with relevant legislation and policies.

Provide alcohol and other drugs withdrawal services:

Withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs can be a difficult and dangerous process. This course will teach you how to effectively provide withdrawal services, as well as how to monitor and support clients during withdrawal.

Recognise and respond to crisis situations:

Crisis situations can be a common occurrence in addiction work. This course will teach you how to effectively recognise and respond to crisis situations, as well as how to provide support to clients in crisis.

Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues:

Many clients who present to addiction services also have mental health issues. This course will teach you how to effectively work with clients with mental health issues, as well as how to refer them to appropriate services.

FAQs

Who is alcohol and other drugs work for?

Addiction work is suitable for those who are interested in helping others to overcome their addiction. It is a challenging and rewarding career, and can be very rewarding.

Where can alcohol and other drugs workers be employed?

Addiction workers can be employed in a variety of settings, including:

- Alcohol and other drugs outreach services

- Mental health promotion and other services

- Residential rehabilitation services

- Community-based organisations

- Correctional facilities

- Schools and education settings

- Research institutes

Are alcohol and other drug work qualifications nationally recognised?

Yes, alcohol and other drug work qualifications are nationally recognised.

What are the benefits of completing an alcohol and other drug work qualification?

The benefits of completing an alcohol and other drugs work qualification include:

- Gaining the skills and knowledge required to effectively help others to overcome their addiction

- Improving your employability in the addiction field

- Increasing your understanding of addiction and its impact on individuals, families and communities.

What are the entry requirements for alcohol and other drugs work?

There are no formal prior learning requirements for alcohol and other drugs work, however, it is recommended that you have completed Year 12 or equivalent. You will also need to have a valid First Aid certificate.

What does an alcohol and other drugs worker do?

The role of an alcohol and other drugs worker is to help people who are struggling with addiction. They provide support and guidance to clients, as well as referrals to appropriate services. They may also be involved in running groups and workshops and providing information about addiction and its impact on individuals, families and communities.

Some of the key duties of an alcohol and other drugs worker include:

- Assessing clients for alcohol and other drug use

- Planning and facilitating groups and workshops

- Providing individual counselling

- Referring clients to appropriate services

- Conducting research on alcohol and other drugs

- Providing information about addiction and its impact on individuals, families and communities.

What are the key skills and competencies of an alcohol and other drugs worker?

Some of the key skills and competencies of an alcohol and other drugs worker include:

- Good communication skills

- Good organisation skills

- Good problem-solving skills

- The ability to work well under pressure

- The ability to empathise with clients

- A good understanding of addiction and its impact on individuals, families and communities.

How are alcohol and other drugs courses delivered?

At Hader Institute, our courses are delivered online by experienced and knowledgeable trainers. Our courses are designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need to effectively help others to overcome their drug and alcohol issues.

What do alcohol and other drugs courses entail?

Our alcohol and other drugs courses cover a range of topics, including:

- The impact of addiction on individuals, families and communities

- The different types of addiction

- The causes of addiction

- The symptoms of addiction

- Treatment and support options for those with addiction

How much does an alcohol and other drug worker earn?

The average salary for entry-level alcohol and other drugs position in Australia is about $84,000 per year. However, salaries will vary depending on your qualifications, experience, and the state or territory you work in. Entry-level salaries start at around $73,000, while more experienced workers can earn up to $104,000 per year.

What are the career prospects for alcohol and other drugs?

The demand for alcohol and other drugs workers is expected to grow over the next few years. This is due to an increase in the number of people with addiction, as well as an increase in the awareness of addiction and its impact on individuals, families and communities. There are many career opportunities for those with alcohol and other drugs qualifications from alcohol community support worker to youth work including working in:

- Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres

- The community services sector

- Community health organisations

- Prison services

- Government agencies

- Research organisations.

With the right qualifications and experience, you could progress to a management or leadership role within your organisation. You could also move into policy development or research.

If you're interested in helping others to overcome addiction, then a career in alcohol and other drug work could be for you. Contact Hader Institute today to find out more about our courses.