How addiction develops
Examine biological influences, psychological patterns and the social conditions that contribute to addiction.
The Behaviour Institute · Online diploma
Diploma in
Addiction Psychology
Understand addiction. Recognise its impact. Develop a more informed and compassionate approach to recovery.
Study the psychological, biological and social influences on addiction, with insights into substance use, behavioural addictions and the experiences of individuals and families.
Learning with The Behaviour Institute
6 units
A structured programme
80 CPD hours
Continuing professional development
100% online
Learn wherever you are
Lifetime access
No completion deadline
Understanding the person behind the addiction
A deeper understanding of addiction and recovery
Addiction affects far more than a person’s use of a substance or engagement in a behaviour. It can shape relationships, self-belief, family life and the capacity to cope with difficult experiences.
This diploma brings together the main theories of addiction, approaches to treatment and the skills involved in helping. You will consider how addiction develops, what maintains it and how individuals and families can be supported through change.
The wider impact
Consider the effects on families, relationships, workplaces and communities, alongside the experience of the individual.
The process of change
Learn about recovery models, harm reduction, motivation and the qualities of an effective helping relationship.
Learning outcomes
What you will learn
Build a foundation for understanding addiction and supporting people affected by it, within the scope of your existing role.
- Explain the main biological, psychological and social models of addiction.
- Recognise the effects of alcohol and other substances, and understand behavioural addictions such as gambling.
- Compare approaches to treatment, including harm reduction, 12-step models and Motivational Interviewing.
- Understand relapse and the challenges involved in maintaining change.
- Identify the impact of addiction on family relationships and patterns of co-dependency.
- Develop your understanding of empathy, acceptance and the skills involved in helping.
Course content
Six units.
A connected understanding.
Move from the foundations of addiction through treatment, social influences and family dynamics to the helping relationship.
Select a unit to see the topics covered.
UNIT 01Understanding addiction
- Dependence, addiction and the process of change
- Alcohol, opioids, sedatives and stimulants
- Cannabis, hallucinogens and substance-related harms
UNIT 02Theories of addiction
- Psychological perspectives: psychoanalytic, behavioural and cognitive
- Medical and biological models
- Social, cultural and family influences
UNIT 03Approaches to treatment
- An overview of medication and treatment services
- The Minnesota Model, 12-step approaches and Alcoholics Anonymous
- Motivational Interviewing, Reality Therapy and harm reduction
UNIT 04Addiction in society
- Drug policy, legalisation and decriminalisation
- Community services, outreach and alcohol and drug education
- Substance-related difficulties in the workplace
UNIT 05Addiction and the family
- Co-dependency, parenting and family patterns
- Relapse and its impact on family members
- Al-Anon, boundaries and family interventions
UNIT 06Working with addiction
- The helper’s motivation, attitudes and responsibilities
- Acceptance, empathy and counselling skills
- Supporting people affected by addiction and supporting the helpers
Who the course is for
For professional learning and personal understanding
The diploma welcomes counsellors, psychologists, nurses, social workers, drug workers, youth workers and those working in healthcare, probation or community services.
It is also open to people in recovery, family members and anyone who wants a clearer understanding of addiction.
No formal qualifications or previous study of addiction are required.
Flexible learning, with support
- Reading materials, short videos and slide presentations.
- Fully online study that fits around your commitments.
- Two written assignments, after Units 3 and 6.
- Assignment questions available through your student dashboard.
- Email support from your course tutor.
- Your diploma on successful completion.
Your course tutor
Learn with Dr John Crimmins
Dr John Crimmins is the founder and director of The Behaviour Institute, with over 25 years of clinical experience and a background in addiction services, counselling and psychotherapy.
His experience includes work across harm reduction, methadone services and abstinence-based residential care, bringing a broad perspective to the ways addiction is understood and addressed.
He provides guidance and feedback throughout your studies, helping you connect the course material with the experiences of people affected by addiction.
An approach grounded in understanding the person, building
trust and recognising the complexity of change.
Continuing professional development
CPD certification
80 CPD hours
The Behaviour Institute is an approved training provider with the CPD Certification Service in London. This diploma supports continuing professional development and further learning in addiction psychology.
This is a professional development diploma. It does not, by itself, confer professional registration or a licence to practise as a therapist.
Enrolment
Begin your Diploma in Addiction Psychology
Gain a more informed understanding of addiction, recovery and the people affected by them.
Your fee includes the six-unit programme, lifetime access to course materials, tutor support, assessment and your diploma on successful completion.
Once payment is received, your login details will be emailed so you can begin.
£395
One-time payment · No hidden fees
Enrol now
Flexible payment option
Pay in monthly instalments
Spread the course fee over four monthly payments of £99 (£396 in total). Your payment amount and currency are shown in the Stripe table below.
Your questions answered
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to complete the course?
There is no completion deadline. You have lifetime access to the course materials and can study at your own pace.
Do I need to attend live classes?
No. The diploma is fully online and self-paced. You can work through the materials whenever suits you.
How is the course assessed?
You complete two written assignments, one after Unit 3 and one after Unit 6. The questions relate directly to your course materials and are available on your dashboard.
Can I enrol without previous qualifications?
Yes. No formal educational qualifications or previous training in addiction are required.
Will I receive support?
Yes. Your course tutor is available by email to answer questions about the material and provide feedback on your assignments.
