This one-day workshop is designed for any worker who wants to develop a broad understanding of psychoactive drugs and a basic knowledge and skillset in how to support someone who may be experiencing problematic substance use.

By the end of this workshop learners will be able to:

• Understand the history of prevalence of substance use, including statistics and rates of use
• Recognise key substance types, their effects and patterns of use
• Understand and recognise specific harms associated with substance use and substance dependence
• Describe how values, language, stigma and discrimination affect practice in this field
• Describe and apply the Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change)
• Understand the aims and objectives of AOD treatment
• Conduct a basic assessment and brief intervention with someone who uses substances
• Provide basic harm reduction advice
• Know where to go for more information, training and support.