U0.1 | INTRODUCTION TO ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS - AOD crash course

This introductory module is designed to help learners obtain the basics of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) work, including how to communicate about AOD use, understand substance effects, and provide initial support to individuals dealing with AOD issues. 

It is recommended for anyone working in settings where AOD use may be a concern, but is not the primary focus of your role. This may include general health, community, housing, employment, welfare and statutory services, as well as university and tertiary level education students.
Workers employed within specialist AOD and mental health settings are advised to skip this module and proceed directly to Learning Levels 1, 2 and 3 where these concepts, theories and skills are explored in greater detail.
PLEASE NOTE: Some of this content is also covered in other eLearning modules available from Insight and Dovetail.
If you primarily work with young people, we recommend completing our 'Introduction to working with young people and drugs' eLearning module, where many of the same concepts and practice principles are covered.

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• use terminology and language related to AOD and people who use drugs (PWUD) that promotes inclusivity and reduces stigma
• describe the effects of major classes of psychoactive substances and use tools to expand this knowledge as needed
• describe the components of the AOD treatment system to effectively guide and support individuals with substance use issues through informed information giving
• initiate AOD-related conversations to offer support and explore potential treatment or harm reduction strategies with individuals experiencing problematic AOD issues.