production
Skip to Content

PS4556: PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTION (2023-2024)

Last modified: 28 Feb 2024 13:16


Course Overview

Delve into the psychology of addictive behaviours, taking a close look at disorders surrounding alcohol, various other psychoactive drugs and gambling. Examine theories explaining the cause and maintenance of addictive behaviours, such as the role played by biology, cognition, learning and the social world, and how these all pose a challenge to treatment and recovery.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Helen Knight

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Addiction is a universal phenomenon that exists across socio-economic, cultural, religious and ethnic boundaries. It is notoriously difficult to treat and can be devastating for the sufferer, those close to them, and wider society as a whole. This course will delve into the psychology of both substance- and non-substance addictions by introducing a wide range of behaviours currently known to be societal issues. Behaviours covered include (but are not restricted to): alcohol, psychoactive drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin, gambling and gaming.

The course shall examine a range of prominent psychological theories explaining the development and sustainment of addictive behaviours. Biologically, the course will cover the role of genetics, the immediate effects that addictive behaviours have on the brain, and how long-term engagement can affect the structure and function of the brain. Cognitive theories will examine the interplay between reflexive and reflective behaviours, and how addiction can alter normal cognitive processes such as attention, information processing and craving. Prominent learning approaches will be discussed, applying classic psychological theories of operant and classical conditioning to the development and maintenance of addictive behaviours, and the challenges these pose for recovery. The course shall also cover social implications of addiction, including the link between addiction and crime, drug policy and how stigma poses a significant barrier to treatment.

Finally, the course addresses the treatment of addictive behaviours. These include including pharmacological interventions (substitution/ blocking/ aversion drugs), psychosocial interventions (counselling/ cognitive behavioural therapies/ mindfulness), and new approaches to treatment (cannabidiol/ contingency management). The course will critically analyse the effectiveness and appropriateness of these treatment options in light of contemporary literature.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Students must answer to a Case Study in Part A, and an essay question from a choice of 4 for Part B. Each script individually marked, and general feedback in terms of good/poor answers for the case study and each question provided. Students may request further individual feedback if they choose.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseAnalyse key theories explaining the cause and maintenance of addictive behaviours.
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate approaches to treating addiction.
ProceduralAnalyseAppraise literature from a range of appropriate sources to construct effective evidence-based arguments.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks 49,50 Feedback Weeks 51,52

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Students must answer to a Case Study in Part A, and an essay question from a choice of 4 for Part B. Each script individually marked, and general feedback in terms of good/poor answers for the case study and each question provided. Students may request further individual feedback if they choose.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseAnalyse key theories explaining the cause and maintenance of addictive behaviours.
ProceduralAnalyseAppraise literature from a range of appropriate sources to construct effective evidence-based arguments.
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate approaches to treating addiction.

Compatibility Mode

We have detected that you are have compatibility mode enabled or are using an old version of Internet Explorer. You either need to switch off compatibility mode for this site or upgrade your browser.