Duration and structure
(1) The university course lasts 4 semesters and comprises 120 ECTS credits. Of these, 99 ECTS credits are allocated to the compulsory courses in modules 1-11 (including the practical part), 20 ECTS credits to the written master thesis and 1 ECTS credit to the defense of the master thesis.
(2) The maximum duration of study is 8 semesters, which corresponds to the scheduled study time plus 4 semesters. After that, admission to the university course expires.
(3) The university course is conducted on a part-time basis. The courses may also be held during non-teaching periods.
(4) The courses will be held in English
Course content
Module 1 | Substance Use Disorders (SUD) – an Introduction
In the introductory module, participants are introduced to the basics and definitions of use, abuse, addiction and dependence. The nosological considerations of new editions of diagnostic manuals (such as the International Classification of Diseases, 11th edition) will be discussed in terms of their implications for diagnostic processes, epidemiology, and needs planning. The significance of this conceptualization for stigma, the image of this disorder in society, and access to medical care will be conveyed, as will considerations of the interaction of substance, individual, and social environment. Knowledge of psychological and behavioral underpinnings will highlight differences between integrative versus substance-centered perspectives and their implications for the societal approach to SUD and their treatment.
Module 2 | Pharmacology and Neurobiology
This module is designed to teach general principles of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, such as receptor-ligand interaction, signal transduction, dose-response curves and agonistic / antagonistic modes of action, desirable / undesirable effects of drugs in general and abused substances in particular. An introduction to the mechanisms of action of psychoactive substances will address gender differences in addition to clinically relevant aspects of toxicology. Pharmacological sites of action will be discussed with their underlying brain development and neurobiology. In this context, the effects of substance use during pregnancy and on brain development will be discussed.
Module 3 | Psychology and Psychiatry
This module provides basic knowledge on psychological models of the development of SUD and on concepts such as vulnerability, resilience or risk competence: modifiable but also individually hardly modifiable factors in perception and behavior are to be discussed in their significance for the development and treatment of SUD. The examination of concepts such as ambivalence, resistance and discrepancy should provide insight into biographical factors in the development of addiction and show strategies for dealing with trauma or promoting life skills.
Building on the teaching of methods and terminology of psychopathology, this module will cover the principles of psychiatric pathology and diagnosis. The practical approach is practiced in small groups through joint exploration of patients and then discussed. Furthermore, differences between comorbidity and underlying psychiatric disorders are discussed with regard to their practical relevance for management and therapeutic decisions. In addition to the procedure in psychiatric emergency situations and danger to self or others, basic knowledge about drug treatment and psychotherapeutic strategies for relapse prophylaxis as well as methods for the joint development of realistic therapy goals will be discussed.
Module 4 | Alcohol Use Disorder
This module deals with alcohol use disorder, its foundations and clinical manifestations. Alcohol use disorder represents a relevant public health problem with relatively broad pervasiveness in society.
In addition to gender- and diversity-relevant differences, basic knowledge about epidemiology, patterns of use, and psychological and physical sequelae will be taught and, above all, practice-relevant knowledge will be imparted that will enable an assessment of the acute nature of the clinical situation and the appropriate measures to be taken, including the involvement of nursing and medical professionals.
In this context, this module will lecture and teach about sequelae of both alcohol use disorder and intravenous substance use, present the internal as well as perioperative management of patients with SUD.
Module 6 | Nicotine, Cannabis, Cannabinoids
This module discusses legal and illegal substances and their abusive uses: Nicotine, Cannabis and Cannabinoids. In addition to basic knowledge of the various desirable and undesirable effects of these substances, the main focus will be on the various secondary diseases that can be associated with tobacco use. Furthermore, a discussion about the pros and cons of the legalization of cannabis and cannabidiol
will be discussed.
Module 7 | Stimulants, New Psychoactive Substances, Psychedelics
In this module, psychoactive substances will be presented with specific vignettes on risk factors, epidemiology and sequelae, as well as gender and diversity-relevant factors and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Both classic psychostimulants will be presented with their essential substance properties, but also new psychoactive substances (NPS) and chemically modified substances with psychoactive properties that circumvent legal hurdles along the way. We also devote a lesson to the nature and mechanisms of action of psychedelics, and finally to the therapeutic potential of NPS and psychedelics, which seem to allow new possibilities in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Module 8 | Addictive Behavior in Children and adolescents
This module will address addictive behaviors in children and adolescents and associated risk factors. Because of its relevance to adolescence, use and abuse of various substances will be discussed in particular, in addition to gender and diversity-relevant factors. The term "risk competence" will be discussed in its meaning on the individual level as well as on the level of information and prevention measures by means of specific programs.
Furthermore, internet and gaming disorders as well as internet-based information and prevention measures as prevention measures will be presented. Special emphasis will be put on the work with family members (e.g. parents, but also with siblings).
Module 9 | Substance Use and Society
Building on Module 1, a historical overview will provide different ways of looking at substance use and relate them to contemporary approaches. An overview of models of prohibition (e.g. "prohibition" vs. "targeted prohibition") should provide knowledge about different possibilities, effects and chances of success of prohibitive measures also with regard to cultural and socio-economic background. In connection with this, the media discourse on this topic and its significance for public perception and drug policy measures will be addressed. Furthermore, the functioning of relevant international bodies, their positions and how they come about as well as their influence on national law will be discussed.
This module enables the participants to actively deal with different aspects of SUD and teaches how this problematic topic is dealt with in a social context. Drug legislation in Austria will be presented and compared to that of other countries, especially neighboring countries. A practice-oriented block will provide an introduction to and overview of information and prevention programs, harm reduction in general, and assistance and support programs.
Module 10 | Practice and Reflection
Participants of MC SUD will complete practical activities in various institutions and prepare written reflections on the experience and course content included in the internship.
Module 11 | Methods and Thesis-Seminar
In this module, in the subject area "Scientific Work", on the one hand, the theoretical foundations of knowledge acquisition are taught, and the basics of medical science are dealt with (structure, research methods). This is followed by an introduction to evidence-based medicine and the methodology of clinical studies. Medical information search (especially literature search) as well as an introduction to computer-based learning are taught in a practical course. This includes data collection and analysis as well as basic concepts of statistics. Participants will learn the differences between epidemiological and experimental evidence. An advanced module on scientific methodology with practical examples and in-depth statistical analysis will complete this module.
In the thesis seminar there will be a regular supervised presentation of the progress in writing the thesis by the participants. On the one hand, this should support the continuity of progress and a timely completion of the master thesis, on the other hand, the joint critical discussion of contents and methods among participants and teachers should contribute to the scientific quality of the written work.
Practice
Participants of the MC SUD will complete practical activities in different institutions (according to the respective planned practical parts / time units in module 10) and write reflections on the experiences and the course contents included in the internship.
Possible institutions to complete the practicum will be accredited by the academic course director and must be involved in the care and treatment of individuals with SUD.
Substance use and/or SUD are common problems in correctional or resocialization settings (such as probation or parole) and are relevant in many ways. If there is a possibility to deal with the contents of the course in practice, internships can be carried out in these institutions.
Course participants can also submit their own suggestions for institutions in which they would like to complete internships. The proposals will be examined by the academic course director regarding the relevance to the topic (possibility of practical examination of the course content) and formal suitability (supervision by experienced staff, number and formal proof of weekly hours) and approved if possible.
The organization of internships is the responsibility of the students.