Heroin and other opiates

Duration: 1 day

Who is the course for: Workers with previous drugs training or experience, who need to develop more detailed awareness of heroin, heroin use and responses.

About the course: This course offers a master-class in understanding heroin and other opiates. It is a chance for workers to really understand what opiates are, where they come from and how they work. Experienced workers will find this a useful chance to refresh and build on their knowledge. Newer workers will come away confident of their knowledge and able to develop effective responses.

Objectives:

• To improve understanding of heroin use and the use of other opiates
• To increase awareness of how and why people use heroin
• To improve skills in reducing risk
• To increase awareness of the range of treatment options available
• To increase confidence in assessing and responding to the needs of heroin users

Course includes

• Opiates, what they are and how they work
• Why people use - appeal of opiates
• Opiates and neurotransmitters
• How they are used and reducing risks
• Physical and psychological dependence
• High risk activities
• Lifestyle issues
• Treatment modalities; methadone and beyond
• Supporting change

Format: Taught sections, small group work, work in pairs, whole group discussion.

Handouts: Full handouts will be provided, and sources of further information

DANOS Modules: AA1, AB1, AB2, AC1, AD1, AF1, AG1, AG2, AG3, AH3, AH4, AH7, AL1, AL2