Strengthen your capacity to support individuals and communities impacted by substance use and addiction.
This certificate is designed for helping professionals—including those in mental health, social work, education, healthcare etc.—who want to deepen their understanding and expand their skills in the complex and evolving field of addictions. Whether you're new to the field or seeking to build on existing experience, this program provides both foundational knowledge and specialized learning tailored to your professional goals.
Two required core courses offer a comprehensive introduction to substance use, misuse and addiction, including key frameworks, models of care and the bio-psycho-social dimensions of addiction. A range of elective courses allow you to tailor your learning to areas of interest or specific client populations.
Topics explored in this program include:
- Understanding what addiction is and the range of factors—bio-psycho-social and cultural— that contribute to its development.
- The impact of trauma, family systems and concurrent mental health disorders on addiction.
- The effects of various substances on the body, brain and behaviour.
- Practical tools for assessment, intervention, harm reduction, relapse prevention and recovery support.
- Strategies for working with individuals, families and communities affected by addiction.
Participants will leave the program with a stronger foundation in evidence-informed approaches to addiction, greater confidence in addressing substance use issues, and enhanced ability to support clients with compassion, insight and skill.
Completion Requirements
To complete the Addictions certificate, you must take a minimum of 7 courses, including two required courses and five electives. You can complete this certificate in as little as one year or take up to seven years. The two required courses are Fundamentals of Addiction and Pharmacology. Courses can be completed in any order.
You do not have to be working toward the Addictions certificate to take any of these courses.
Participation and Attendance
Full attendance and participation are required to complete these courses. For the 'remote' courses, 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 courses are interactive and include breakout rooms, role play, group discussions and other activities. Participation is required.
For the 'online' (asynchronous) courses, participants must complete the short quiz at the end of each module after reading the course material, and participate in the mandatory discussion board questions.
CACCF CEU Hours
All courses in the Addictions certificate program are approved for 12 continuing education hours (CEUs) through the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF). For information about the CACCF or how to become a certified Addictions Counsellor, visit www.caccf.ca.
Four + Discount
Register for four or more courses at once to apply a 10% discount in your cart on the cost of each course. You must register and pay for all courses at the same time; discount is not cumulative or retroactive. If discount is not being applied at time of registration, contact fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca for assistance. Discount cannot be applied after registration is complete.
Delivery Options
The Addictions certificate courses are available remotely through Zoom and asynchronously online.
Registration
No application is required. To register, select a course from the menu of the right, then a course section to view the dates and cost or add the course to your cart. Complete your registration with payment.
Becoming a Therapist
Completing the Addictions certificate will not qualify you to register with any college or association, including the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Please visit those websites for information on becoming a therapist in Ontario, or your provincial regulatory college. This certificate is not designed as a pathway to becoming a certified Addiction Counsellor.
Contact Information
For more information about this certificate contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-4967
See our website and Frequently Asked Questions for more information.