The Certificate in Addiction Studies offers a compelling, critical, and practical introduction to the complex world of addiction and recovery.
Delivered part-time and designed for professionals from social care, healthcare, education, community work, or related fields, this flexible Level 9 programme empowers you to:
Unpack the science and psychology of addiction—from biological and psychological models to social learning and family systems theory.
Recognise the signs and symptoms of substance misuse, including legal, illegal, and prescription drugs.
Evaluate evidence-based interventions such as motivational interviewing and CBT.
Critically assess national and international drug and alcohol policies, placing Ireland’s evolving strategy in a global context.
Understand the deep impact of addiction on families and communities—and how to ethically respond.
Through engaging lectures, real-world case studies, group projects, and reflective assignments, you’ll build the critical skills to act with insight, integrity, and compassion in your professional practice.
Whether you want to deepen your understanding, expand your career, or contribute to social change, this certificate offers a powerful platform for growth and change.
Addiction theories What is addiction, Psychological, biological, disease model, social learning theory, family system theory. Signs and symptoms All substances (including for e.g. prescription, illegal substances and poly drug use). Short and long term effects. Interventions Different interventions used with users e.g., wheel of change, motivational interviewing, CBT Policy Historical look at how policies have developed, New national drugs and alcohol strategy, international strategy Impact on Families and Communities; Community Response Impact on children, siblings, parents and grandparents of substance users; Social impact on a community, ethical practitioner
All applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Lifelong Learning reserves the right to require applicants to attend for an interview to determine their suitability for the programme.
This programme is part of the Master of Arts in Child, Youth and Family Studies. Participants who complete this course may wish to consider completing the full level 9 programme
Explore our Postgraduate Prospectus to view the full range of postgraduate study options, including course details, entry requirements, and progression routes. Download the prospectus to help you choose the programme that best suits your goals.
