Diploma in Addiction Psychology

learn the core skills that are required to help those affected by drug/alcohol use.

Acquire a qualification that will enable you to assist people battling addiction.

“First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you.”

– F. Scott Fitzgerald

DIPLOMA IN ADDICTION PSYCHOLOGY Course OvervieW

The purpose of this Online Diploma Course in Addiction Psychology is to provide you with up to date information and actionable knowledge on the problem of Addiction. Through the lessons offered you will gain insight into the causes of substance and behavioural addiction and learn how to better assess addiction situations and intervene appropriately. You will learn how to examine and improve your own ability to review situations properly and intervene appropriately. You will learn how to improve those core skills that are  required to help those affected by drug/alcohol use. You will develop your expertise in dealing with the behaviour of addicted people. 

Past students of this Accredited Diploma come from a variety of professions such as prison administration, medical and youth services workers, teachers, personnel managers, parents and other family members, and recovering addicts.

We welcome everyone who has a sincere desire to help people who are fighting to overcome addictions, as our mission is to provide support to those who are battling to do just that.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND COURSE BENEFITS

By the end of this course, students will have.

Course Content

  • Understanding Addiction
  • Defining Addiction
  • The Hazards of Drug Abuse 
  • Dependence and Addiction 
  • Atmosphere of Change
  • Types of Drugs
  • Depressants: Opiates  Barbiturates Benzodiazepines
  • Alcohol
  • Stimulants: Cocaine & Crack , Amphetamines
  • Hallucinogens Psychogenics: LSD,Magic Mushrooms, Cannabis
Theories of Addiction
Focussing on the major Theories & Models of Addiction:
  • The Moral model
  • The Psychological Model: Psychoanalytic, Behavioural, Cognitive
  • The Medical/Disease Model: Genetic, Addictive Personality, Allergy, Illness & Biological
  • The Socio-Cultural Model: Modelling, National & Cultural Conditions & Family Systems Theory
Addiction Treatments
  • Pharmacotherapy: Antabuse, Ibogaine, Methadone & Detox-5
  • The Minneosta Model: 12 Step & Alcoholics Anonymous
  • Counselling & Therapy: Motivational Interviewing & Reality Therapy
  • Harm Reduction Model
  • Treatments in practice
Addiction in Society
  • Drug policies, legalisation & de– criminalisation
  • ICommunity change, Outreach, Harm Reduction or Abstinence
  • Alcohol & drug education
  • Alcohol & drug-related issues in the workplace
Addiction in Families
  • Co-dependency, children of alcoholic families, parenting styles, & family factors
  • Relapse for families, ‘letting go’, dependent attitudes & dependent behaviours
  • Al-Anon
  • The intervention approach
Working with Addiction
  • Why be a helper, motives & attitudes
  • Helper qualities & attitudes
  • The art of accepting
  • Counselling/helping skills. Helping the helpers

Accreditation

We are an approved training Provider with the CPD Certification service in London

The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 as the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the Continuing Professional Development policies of professional institutes and academic bodies. The CPD Certification Service provides support, advice and recognised independent CPD accreditation compatible with global CPD principles.

Official CPD Certification Service London Accredited Provider Logo - The Behaviour Institute

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

 

The course is designed to accommodate those without previous formal training in addiction, and no formal educational qualifications are required to participate. It is intended for individuals working in mental health, as well as those in recovery, family members, or loved ones affected by addiction who wish to learn more about the condition.

The program is particularly suited for a wide range of mental health professionals, including but not limited to:

  • Nurses
  • Probation officers
  • Prison wardens
  • Psychologists
  • General practitioners (GPs)
  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychotherapists
  • Counselors
  • Drug workers
  • Social workers
  • Occupational therapists

In addition, it is open to people in recovery, family members, loved ones, or anyone interested in exploring the complex subject of addiction.

COURSE DELIVERY & ASSESSMENT

The course is delivered completely online through our website. Each unit comprises reading material, short videos, and slide presentations. There are two written assignments for this course to be submitted at the end of Unit 3 and the end of 6.

You will find the assignment questions on your dashboard. The questions are straightforward and relate directly to the reading material.

Your course tutor is available by email to answer any questions that you may have relating to the course material

enrolment PROCESS

Course Cost and Payment Options

  • Total Cost: £395 (includes your Diploma emailed upon successful course completion). No hidden fees.
  • Immediate Access: Begin learning as soon as payment is received. Login details will be emailed for instant access to the course dashboard.

Flexible Payment Plan

  • Split Payments: Pay £395 in 4 monthly installments of £99.
    • First payment of £99 due at enrollment.
    • Three additional payments of £99 charged automatically each month.
    • (Prices may vary by location and currency.)

Why Choose Split Payments?

  • Budget-Friendly: Spread the cost over manageable payments.
  • Start Learning Now: Immediate access to the course without the full upfront cost.
  • Affordable for Everyone: Flexible pricing makes education accessible.

Take the first step today!
Enroll now and select the “Subscription” option below to start your journey.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated 5/5 by our students worldwide

DIPLOMA IN ADDICTION PSYCHOLOGY

Acquire the professional qualification and clinical insights required to assist those battling substance and behavioral addictions. From understanding biological triggers to mastering intervention strategies, this accredited Diploma in Addiction Psychology  course provides a comprehensive toolkit for meaningful change.

Why Choose Our Diploma in Addiction Psychology 

Knowledge

Gain a deep understanding of the biological and psychological drivers of addiction. This course equips you with the specialized expertise to identify substance and behavioral dependencies while addressing the complex root causes of addictive patterns.

Skills

Develop practical competencies in assessing addiction severity and conducting effective interventions. You will master evidence-based treatment planning and relapse prevention strategies essential for professional clinical or community support roles.

Empower

Learn to help clients identify high-risk triggers and challenge addictive thought patterns. By empowering individuals with coping mechanisms and healthy behavioral alternatives, you facilitate long-term recovery and improved mental well-being.

Accredited

This internationally recognized Addiction Psychology diploma provides comprehensive training through an approved CPD provider. You will gain a verified qualification that meets the rigorous standards required by global mental health and addiction services.

Career

Enhance your professional prospects in medical services, youth work, or social care. This diploma provides the credentials to advance your career within the specialized field of addiction recovery, from prison administration to private counseling.

Treatment

Build a solid foundation in the latest addiction treatment models, including the 12-Step Minnesota Model and Motivational Interviewing. Confidently apply these clinical techniques to support individuals and families through the journey of recovery.

What Our Students Say

I signed up for a five Diploma package including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and have extracted fantastic tools from every course. The multiple modes of delivery — video, literature, research and case studies — make for a fantastic learning environment. The continuous support and friendly demeanour of Dr. John Crimmins is invaluable. His detailed feedback on assignments clearly displays his passion for Psychology and continuous development.
I want to express my utmost thanks to Dr John Crimmins for all the support and encouragement throughout my studies. The CBT content is extremely valuable — rich at an academic level but also deeply practical for everyday life. As well, they went above and beyond by providing extra reading links for those who are interested for more in depth research on particular data.   My experience with the Institute was and still is positive and exciting.
The course material was really interesting, easily accessible and the website was user friendly. The support through email made it an amazing learning journey. This course has opened a new path in my professional career and will benefit our community here in the UAE. Special thanks to Dr Crimmins for his guidance and valuable support. I do recommend people to explore the options thru the website and register.

Diploma in Addiction Learning Objectives.

♦️ Foundational Theory: Master the historical development and the core psychological pillars of addiction science.

♦️Biological Drivers: Explore the neurobiology of dependency and the physiological impact of various substances.

♦️Behavioral Patterns: Understand the mechanics of habit formation, classical conditioning, and social learning.

♦️Practical Application: Apply techniques like the Daily Record of Dysfunctional Thoughts.

♦️Substance Hazards: Identify the specific risks associated with depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogenic drugs.

♦️Assessment Skills: Apply clinical techniques to properly review situations and determine appropriate interventions.

 

♦️ Treatment Models: Master essential recovery frameworks including the 12-Step Minnesota Model and Harm Reduction.

♦️Clinical Strategy: Apply Motivational Interviewing and Reality Therapy to real-world addiction recovery scenarios.

♦️Family Dynamics: Gain deep insight into co-dependency, relapse prevention, and supporting families in crisis.

♦️ Ethics & Society: Understand the professional ethics, legal policies, and community outreach standards in the field.

♦️ Career Foundation: Use this accredited diploma as a professional springboard for roles in social care or counseling.

Expert Mentorship from Dr. John Crimmins

Unlike general online course providers, The Behaviour Institute, founded and directed by Dr. John Crimmins, offers a specialized addiction psychology qualification backed by over 30 years of direct frontline experience. Since the early 1990s, Dr. Crimmins has worked across the entire spectrum of services, providing you with clinical insights that only a seasoned expert can offer.

Here are 5 key benefits of choosing The Behaviour Institute:

♦️Curriculum Built on Decades of Experience: Gain a deep education personally developed by Dr. Crimmins, reflecting his work in addiction services since the early 90s.

♦️ A Full-Spectrum Perspective: Go beyond theory with insights from a founder who has worked in every facet of the field—from harm reduction needle exchanges and methadone treatment to abstinence-focused residential care for heroin addiction.

♦️ Direct Clinical Insights: Learn the practical nuances of both maintenance and recovery-focused models from an expert who has managed complex cases across the spectrum of addiction.

♦️ Personalized Student Support: Receive direct guidance and feedback on your assignments from Dr. Crimmins, ensuring your learning is grounded in real-world application.

♦️ A Reputation that Matters: Graduate with a diploma backed by a specialized institute and a recognized expert whose career has been dedicated to mental health and addiction recovery.

80 CPD Hours.

Receive full accreditation for your professional development."

Lifetime Access.

Study at your own pace with permanent access to all materials.

London Accredited.

Recognized by the CPD Certification Service in London.

CBT Diploma Entry requirements

  • No Prior Experience Needed: This course is designed for beginners. No formal educational qualifications are required to enroll.

  • A Diverse Community: Join a network of professionals, including Nurses, Counsellors, Social Workers, GPs, and Students.

  • Career or Personal Growth: Whether you’re starting a career in psychotherapy or seeking a deep self-development programme, this course is for you.

We are an approved Training Provider with the CPD Certification Service, meeting global standards for professional development

COURSE DELIVERY & ASSESSMENT

The course is delivered completely online through our website. Each unit comprises reading material, short videos, and slide presentations.

Written Assignments

Complete two straightforward written assignments (at the end of Units 3 and 6). These are designed to reinforce your learning and are submitted directly through your student dashboard.”

Expert tuition

Learn from Dr. John Crimmins, a specialist with over 20 years of clinical experience in CBT and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Dr. Crimmins is available to support you, answer questions, and guide you through the course material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started & Logistics

A: You can begin immediately. Once your payment is processed, your login credentials will be emailed to you instantly. This gives you direct access to our user-friendly learning platform so you can start your first module right away.

A: No. This is a fully self-paced course, allowing you to study whenever and wherever suits your schedule. However, to enhance your learning, Dr. John Crimmins hosts periodic live Zoom talks on various psychology and mental health subjects. These are a valuable extra insight but are entirely optional and not a compulsory part of the course.

A: You have lifetime access to all course materials. There are no deadlines or expiration dates, so you can revisit the content as often as you need for your professional practice.

Qualifications & Accreditation

A: Yes. Our courses are accredited by the CPD Certification Service (London). This provides you with an internationally recognized qualification that meets the highest standards of Continuing Professional Development.

A: This course provides a comprehensive theoretical foundation and a Diploma in CBT, which is an excellent addition to your professional CV. To practice as a fully accredited “CBT Therapist” or “Psychotherapist” in most regions, professional bodies usually require a University-level postgraduate degree and supervised clinical hours. This course serves as an essential first step or a way for existing professionals to integrate CBT skills into their current roles.

A: Yes. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded 80 CPD credits, compatible with the global principles of professional institutes and academic bodies.

Support & Accessibility

A: Absolutely. We avoid overly dense academic jargon and focus on clear, practical explanations. Because the course is self-paced and Dr. Crimmins is available for guidance, you can learn at your own speed with the support you need to succeed.

A: Yes. Unlike generic platforms, you have direct access to Dr. John Crimmins. He is available to provide feedback, answer clinical questions, and support you throughout your journey.

 

Time limited offer

Get 3 of our courses for the price of one!

✔️ Receive training in all the major schools of psychology. 

✔️ You can do the courses one at a time! You can even gift one to a colleague. 

✔️ A Diploma Certificate is awarded for each course successfully completed.

✔️ There is no time limit for completion – take your time and enjoy the learning. 

 

Online CBT Diploma

Enroll now and get started

  • One-Time Investment: £395 (includes your official Diploma upon successful completion). No hidden fees or recurring costs.

 

  • Instant Course Access: Your login details are emailed immediately after purchase so you can begin learning today.
  •  

Flexible Payment Plan

 

 

  • Spread the Cost: Pay just £99 today to get started, followed by three manageable monthly installments of £99.

 

  • Our flexible plan allows you to start your professional training immediately without the full upfront cost—making expert education accessible to everyone.”

 

  • Take the first step today!
    Select the ‘Subscription’ option below to start your journey for just £99.

Claim Your Free Gift: "CBT in the Classroom"

Download a complimentary copy of Dr. John Crimmins’ latest ebook and discover practical CBT strategies for educational environments

CBT in the classroom. CBT in an Educational setting.

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    I signed up for a five Diploma package including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and have extracted fantastic tools from every course. The multiple modes of delivery — video, literature, research and case studies — make for a fantastic learning environment. The continuous support and friendly demeanour of Dr. John Crimmins is invaluable. His detailed feedback on assignments clearly displays his passion for Psychology and continuous development.
    I want to express my utmost thanks to Dr John Crimmins for all the support and encouragement throughout my studies. The CBT content is extremely valuable — rich at an academic level but also deeply practical for everyday life. As well, they went above and beyond by providing extra reading links for those who are interested for more in depth research on particular data.   My experience with the Institute was and still is positive and exciting.
    The course material was really interesting, easily accessible and the website was user friendly. The support through email made it an amazing learning journey. This course has opened a new path in my professional career and will benefit our community here in the UAE. Special thanks to Dr Crimmins for his guidance and valuable support. I do recommend people to explore the options thru the website and register.

    We are an approved Training Provider with the CPD Certification Service, meeting global standards for professional development

    Official CPD Certification Service London Accredited Provider Logo - The Behaviour Institute
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