By specialising in Alcohol and Drug Studies you can advance your understanding of the causes and treatment of addictive behaviours and the biology of addiction. You will also learn about assessment, intervention, management and treatment of addiction disorders while gaining theory and skills in counselling practice.

Alcohol and Drug Studies is a valuable specialisation for healthcare professionals such as addiction practitioners, medical practitioners, nurses, psychologists, social workers and other professionals whose work involves drug and alcohol services.
This specialisation is a recognised pathway for health professionals wishing to receive accreditation with DAPAANZ (Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association of Aotearoa – New Zealand).

You can undertake Alcohol and Drug Studies in the Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate in Health Sciences or in the Master of Health Practice.
Graduates with relevant degrees and health professionals will gain advanced understanding of the nature of addiction, co-existing disorders and current principles of management of alcohol, drug and other addictive problems, such as gambling.

The areas of study include:
- Alcohol, tobacco and other drug studies
- Assessment and interventions with addiction
- Biology of addiction
- Co-existing problems, theory and principles
- Theory and skills in counselling practice; addictive consumptions and public health
- Pharmacotherapeutic responses to addiction
- Project planning for lifestyle change

This specialisation is a recognised pathway for health professionals wishing to receive accreditation with DAPAANZ (Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association of Aotearoa – New Zealand).
The specialisation is offered in a flexible learning format (one full-day a month, four times over the semester) at the School of Population Health.