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Advanced Certificate of Addiction Support (Alcohol and Other Drugs)

The Advanced Certificate of Addiction Support (Alcohol & Other Drugs) provides comprehensive knowledge of addictive behaviours, evidence-based treatment models, and advanced interventions for supporting individuals and families affected by AOD dependency. You will explore assessment, ethical practice, crisis response, relapse prevention, and working with co-occurring mental health conditions. On completion, you will feel confident to apply advanced support strategies in both community and clinical settings.
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Start Anytime
Yes
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Delivery Method
100% Online
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Study Hours
100 hours
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Course Access
12 Months

If you’re seeking a more comprehensive understanding of addiction support, this course is ideal for you. It goes beyond foundational knowledge to provide advanced skills in supporting individuals and families affected by AOD (alcohol and other drugs) dependency.

The Advanced Certificate of Addiction Support (Alcohol and Other Drugs) is a professional development course that explores advanced assessment, ethical practice, crisis response, and recovery-oriented support.

In this advanced addiction support course, you will discover key theories of addictive behaviours and examine the practical, psychological, and social issues associated with substance and alcohol misuse. You will gain in-depth knowledge of evidence-based treatment models and learn to use advanced interventions, including behavioural therapy and other therapeutic techniques, to support recovery and reduce harm.

You will also develop strategies for relapse prevention and management, work with clients who have co-existing mental health conditions and understand referral pathways to mandated treatment programs and emergency assistance when required.

On completion of the course, you will feel confident to support individuals and families affected by AOD dependency with advanced interventions in a range of community and clinical settings.

Printed learning materials are available for purchase for this course and can be ordered during enrolment.
Course Structure
Unit 1  - Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
  • Historical contexts
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population
  • Cultural patterns of alcohol consumption
  • Alcohol misuse
  • Social, political and economic contexts
  • Alcohol and drug use
  • Gender differences
  • Age differences
  • National drug strategies
  • Economic costs of misuse
  • Types of drugs
  • Drug and alcohol dependency
  • Models of treatment
  • Critical incidents
  • Crisis situations
  • Managing clients
  • Daily living assistance
  • Residential support
  • Day programs
  • Mandatory reporting
  • Abuse and neglect
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
  • Medical / public health models
  • Cognitive Behavioural Treatment
  • Bio-Psycho-Social Model
  • AOD practice values
  • Harm minimisation
  • Vulnerabilities and risk areas
  • Access and equity
  • Values in AOD practices
  • Health promotion
  • Communication skills
  • Sharing information
  • Effective work practices
  • Law and ethics
Unit 2  - Work with clients who are intoxicated
  • Intoxicated client services
  • Assessing intoxication
  • Statutory requirements
  • Health and safety
  • Signs and symptoms
  • First aid
  • Alcohol and the brain
  • Injuries
  • Safe environments
  • Document services provided
  • Privacy
  • Reduce harm and injury
  • Calm and confident approach
  • Risk management
  • Safety measures
  • Infection control guidelines
  • Seeking emergency assistance
  • Long term needs
  • Assisted daily living
  • Service needs
  • AOD client information
  • Family support networks
  • Signs of relapse
Unit 3  - Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
  • Assessing clients’ needs
  • Review client records
  • Confidentiality
  • Purpose of assessment
  • Assessment flow chart
  • Drug assessment
  • AUDIT assessment
  • Conducting assessment
  • History and pattern of drug use
  • Co-existing issues
  • Co-morbid disorders
  • Psychological illness
  • Self-harm
  • Client contract
  • Familial and social relationships
  • Assess current status
  • Substance abuse
  • Alcohol dependence
  • AOD assessment tools
  • Symptoms of specific drug use
  • Interview questions
  • AOD consequences
  • Detoxification units
  • Homeless youth services
  • Client referral needs
  • Identify client issues
  • Referral protocols and procedures
Unit 4 - Provide services to people with coexisting mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
  • Co-existing mental health
  • AOD issues
  • Dual diagnosis
  • Substance abuse
  • Alcohol and drug dependence
  • Normal and abnormal behaviour
  • Behaviours of mental illness
  • Drug use and psychological illness
  • Service provision and agency programs
  • Service delivery models
  • Dual diagnosis treatment models
  • Treatment phases
  • Motivational interventions
  • Medication
  • The shared care model
  • Four-step programs
  • Treatment for individual disorders
  • Best practice model
  • Client assessment
  • Impact of AOD and psychological issues
  • Physical conditions
  • Societal impact
  • Readiness for recovery
  • Research specialist services
  • Effective working relationships
  • Recovery plans
  • 5 stages of change
  • Facilitate further care
  • Addressing AOD addiction
  • Treatment services
  • Eligibility criteria
  • Support and referral processes
  • Informed consent
  • Suicidal ideation
  • De-escalation techniques
  • Conflict resolution
  • Reporting incidents
  • Emergency situations
  • Response strategies
  • Records management
  • Communication
  • Assessment and self-evaluation
  • Achievement of goals
  • Advice, supervision and debriefing
  • Burnout prevention
  • Client risk assessment
  • Law and Ethics
Unit 5  - Develop strategies for alcohol and other drugs relapse prevention and management
  • Relapse prevention strategies
  • Personal factors
  • Individual treatment plan
  • Drug and alcohol terminology
  • Coping mechanisms
  • Signs of relapse/triggers
  • Stimulus-control techniques
  • Intoxication / alcohol
  • Aggressive behaviour
  • Stimulants and amphetamine psychosis
  • Self-harm
  • Impaired decision-making
  • Client risk assessment
  • Enhancing self-efficacy
  • Support strategies
  • Cognitive restructuring
  • Lifestyle strategies
  • Urge-management techniques
  • Relapse management plan
  • Harm minimisation
  • Contingency plan
  • Permission thoughts
  • Self-help groups
  • Stress management strategies
  • Coping with cravings
  • Client skills and strengths
  • Client interventions
  • Counselling and support
  • Law and ethics
Unit 6  - Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues
  • Preparing for intervention
  • Intervention requirements
  • Individual treatment plans (ITP)
  • Signs of abuse and addiction
  • Required resources
  • Client emotional well-being
  • Identify client’s strengths
  • Psychological interventions
  • Planning an intervention
  • Self-help groups
  • Twelve step programs
  • Drug and alcohol education
  • Therapy
  • Early intervention
  • Crisis intervention
  • Support networks
  • Confirm intervention with client
  • Intervention features
  • Guide and support client
  • Drug / alcohol withdrawal
  • Negotiation
  • Manage issues
  • Compliance
  • Referrals or emergency assistance
  • Self-harm
  • Client progress reports
  • AOD terminology
  • Implement interventions
  • Client referrals
Unit 7 - Provide advanced interventions to meet the needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
  • Client needs and goals
  • Complex and multiple needs
  • Co-morbidity
  • Drug use and psychological illness
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS)
  • Autism
  • 3 assessment categories
  • AOD assessment tools
  • Genograms
  • Drug assessment
  • Risk assessment checklists
  • SMART goals
  • Goal setting
  • Models and techniques to meet outcomes
  • Three counselling models
  • Behaviour therapy
  • Intervention and support strategies
  • Goal recognition
  • Negotiation
  • Short-term programs
  • Long-term programs
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Cessation of drug use
  • Self-help groups
  • AOD age relevant treatments
  • Indigenous people and AOD
  • Developing rapport with clients
  • Involving family and carers
  • Legal and health issues
  • Addictions and overdoses
  • Nutrition
  • Self-harm
  • Mandated treatment
  • Counselling competencies
  • Advanced therapeutic techniques
  • Group facilitations
  • Documenting client interventions
  • Personal and agency liability
  • Case management plans
  • Client social and emotional needs
  • Sexuality issues
  • Socio economic issues
  • Isolation, rural and geographical issues
  • Grief and loss
  • EEO agencies
  • Limits and role boundaries
  • Client referrals and services
  • Monitor client progress
  • Client relapse
  • Problem-solving techniques
  • Supporting client needs
  • Family sensitive practices
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Estimated Duration
100 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment

Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.

Approval and Recognition

Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.

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Career Outcomes
  • Counsellor – Alcohol & Drugs
  • Support Worker
I found the system easy to use and the content easy to follow.
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Carolyn
Albury, VIC
Certificate of Addiction Support (Alcohol and Other Drugs)
September 2025
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Advanced Certificate of Addiction Support (Alcohol and Other Drugs)
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At Australian Online Courses, we are passionate about helping individuals from diverse backgrounds achieve their career goals. Since 2008, we have created opportunities for people in Australia and around the world.

Our Difference

What sets us apart is that we genuinely care about your career development. That’s why flexible study schedules, competitive pricing and exceptional customer and student support are at the heart of what we do. Our comprehensive courses, developed in consultation with industry employers, provide the skills and knowledge necessary for success in your current role or to pursue new opportunities.

Our state-of-the-art eLearning platform means you can study anywhere, anytime. So, enrol today and get the skills and confidence you need to achieve your career dreams, big or small.

Graduation

A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.

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Why choose Australian Online Courses?
  • Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
  • Improve your employment opportunities;
  • Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
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  • All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
  • Unlimited tutor support via email;
  • We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
  • Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.

There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18 with a competent level of English. For those under 18, please complete the Parent/Guardian Consent Form before enrolling.

To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.

You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!

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This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.

No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.

Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.

Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.

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