Module Code - Title:
EN3052
-
SUBSTANCE USE: COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND POLICY PERSPECTIVES
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module will expose and enhance the learner to the antecedence, consequences and responses to substance use in the context of community and social perspectives. The module will underpin the research and studies that convey the epidemiological indicators of substance use and the impact on community and society. In addition, a comprehensive knowledge of public policy relating to drugs and alcohol is essential for any learner to understand the context within which they work.
Syllabus:
The syllabus explores the community, social and policy perspectives in relation to substance use. The module explores the social including early school leaving, homelessness, family structure; health risks and correlates with consequences/responses to drug & alcohol use, exploring community concepts, community development approaches; historical & cultural perspectives in relation to drugs & alcohol. Students will critically examine policy and policy responses; the criminal justice response; media influences; attitudes, values and beliefs within a community & social context; theoretical perspectives - national/international; epidemiology; ethical & political dilemmas; organisational & partnership approaches (including local & regional drug taskforces); models & paradigms on drug and alcohol education/prevention within educational, community and social settings.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Describe political, legal and historical developments in the area of drugs and alcohol;
Critically examine, from community, social and policy perspectives, the current situation relating to drugs and alcohol, consequences and responses.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an appreciation of the changing context of society and its implications for future responses in drug and alcohol policy and practice;
Demonstrate a willingness to explore personal values, beliefs and attitudes relevant to drugs and alcohol within a community and social context.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Engage in informed and responsible debate specific to the principles of community development and their application relevant to the drugs and alcohol field.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module uses a variety of learning experiences, including lecture, group discussion, and group work. Exposure to a range of community, social and policy perspectives relating to drug and alcohol use will support students in being responsible and knowledgeable in relation to responses to addiction and the associated social problems. Engagement in informed and respectful debate will support their agency and civic awareness, as well as develop students' capacity for critical thinking.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Babor, T (2003)
Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity. Research and Public Policy
, Oxford University Press
Butler, S. (ed) (2002)
Alcohol, Drug and Health Promotion in Modern Ireland
, Institute of Public Administration
Other Relevant Texts:
Loughran, H. and McCann, M.E. (2006)
A Community Drugs Study: Developing Community Indicators for Problem Drug Use
, NACD, Stationery Office
Moran, R., O'Brien, M., Dillon, L. and Farrell, E. (2000)
Overview of drug issues in Ireland
, Health Research Board
Shiner M., Thom, B., MacGregor S., Gordon, D., and Bayley, M. (2004)
Exploring Community Responses to Drugs
, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, London School of Economics & Political Science
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
diarmuid.verrier@ul.ie