The Addictions certificate is designed for anyone who wants to build on their knowledge and skills in the field of addictions. Two required workshops provide a solid foundation of knowledge about substance use, abuse and addiction. A variety of electives allow you to create a program of study that fits with your career path and interests. Some of the topics covered in this program include:
- An understanding of what an addiction is and what causes addictions.
- Factors that can impact an addiction, such as families, trauma and concurrent disorders.
- The various types of addictive substances and how they affect the body and brain.
- Tools and skills that can be used in assessment, intervention and relapse prevention.
Upon completion, participants will be better able to assist clients facing addiction issues.
This certificate is designed for helping professionals. For those in recovery, the content and discussions may be triggering and is not recommended.
Completion Requirements
No application required. To complete the Addictions certificate, you must take a minimum of 7 workshops, including 2 required workshops and 5 electives. You can complete this certificate in as little as one year or take up to seven years. The two required workshops are Fundamentals of Addiction and Pharmacology.
You do not have to be working toward the Addictions certificate to take any of these workshops.
Participation and Attendance
Full attendance and participation are required to complete these workshops. Participants are requested, as much as possible, to have their cameras on. We know there are situations where this is not possible, so please send a message to your instructor or the Professional Development host to let them know that you are unable to turn on your camera. Our workshops are interactive and include breakout rooms, role play, group discussions and other activities. Participation is required.
CACCF CEU Hours
All workshops in the Addictions certificate program are approved for a specified number of continuing education hours (CEUs) through the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF). See workshop descriptions for the number of CEUs for each workshop.
For information about the CACCF or how to become a certified Addictions Counsellor, visit www.caccf.ca.
Delivery Options
The Addictions certificate workshops are available remotely through Zoom and asynchronously online.
Contact Information
For more information about this certificate contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Remote: 548-889-5128
Online: 548-889-4967
See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.