Overview

This module will primarily analyse the psycho-sociological aspects of substance dependence in the family context to provide a thorough examination of:

• Why people abuse substances
• Pregnancy & smoking, drinking and drug use
• What happens to children when parents take drugs
• Drinking and the care system
• Young carers and substance dependent parents
• Living with addicted siblings
• Children who abuse substances
• Drugs, the law and society
• Drugs and fame.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -(D) A satisfactory understanding of current theories of addiction, including an ability to critically discuss the short and long-term outcomes for children living with substance abuse; a basic awareness of the legal and social consequences of substance abuse and of the professionals and strategies used to help children living with substance abuse.

-good -(B) A good understanding of current theories of addiction, including an ability to critically discuss the short and long-term outcomes for children living with substance abuse; a sound awareness of the legal and social consequences of substance abuse and of the professionals and strategies used to help children living woth substance abuse.

-excellent -(A) A comprehensive understanding of current theories of addiction, including an ability to critically discuss the short and long-term outcomes for children living with substance abuse; a thorough awareness of the legal and social consequences of substance abuse and of the professionals and strategies used to help children living with substance abuse.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically understand the impact of parental addiction and substance misuse on the physical and emotional health of children and their relationship with their parents.

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of current theories concerning addiction to a variety of substances and how these apply to children and young people.

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the wider implications of substance misuse for children and people, including social attitudes, legal aspects, family dynamics and peer influences.

• Identify the agencies and professionals that can work with and help identify the needs of children who are themselves or whose parents are misusing substances.

• Reflect critically on their own learning experiences and their relationship to their own ideas and opinions about children and substance misuse.

• Understand the research based, likely, long term outcomes for children of addicted parents and critically evaluate the provisions made to help children and young people whose parents misuse substances.