University Master's Degree in Prevention and Multidisciplinary Approach to Drug Dependence and Addictive Behaviours

Compulsory Training: 49
Optional Subjects: 20
Compulsory Internship 13
Master’s Dissertation: 8

Total ECTS: 90

The study plan of the Master’s Degree in Prevention and Multidisciplinary Approach to Drug Dependence and Addictive Behaviours has a total of 90 ECTS, divided into 3 semesters.

• Minimum number of ECTS enrollment credits per student and school period

  Compulsory Training: 49
  Optional Subjects: 20
  Compulsory Internship 13
  Master’s Dissertation: 8

  Total ECTS: 90

• Access

  Access

  Os requisitos xerais de acceso ás titulacións de máster universitario son os recollidos no artigo 18 do Real decreto 822/2021, do 28 de setembro, polo que se establece a organización das ensinanzas universitarias e do procedemento de aseguramento da súa calidade. Máis información no seguinte enlace:
  Acceso a Másteres

  Admission

  Admission to the master’s degree will be defined on the basis of the following criteria:

  1. Degree of affinity of the access qualification.
  2. Academic record of the studies that give access to the master’s degree.
  3. Professional experience in the field of drug addiction or addictive behaviour.
  4. Courses or training related to addictive behaviours.
  5. Personal interview (optional)

  The academic record will have a maximum weight of 60% of the total, and the other merits will have a maximum weight of 40%.

- To understand the functioning and effects of addictive substances, as well as strategies for the prevention, diagnosis and therapeutic approach to addictions.
- To acquire interdisciplinary knowledge in genetics, medicine, neuropsychology and psychopathology related to addictions.
- Apply preventive and therapeutic programmes considering the gender approach in order to adapt interventions to specific needs.
- Develop skills to intervene in a precise manner, using specialised terminology and applying evidence-based intervention criteria in the prevention, diagnosis and therapeutic approach to addictions.
- To master techniques for drawing up questionnaires, analysing data and interpreting results in order to deal effectively with addictive behaviour.
- To train professionals with solid scientific foundations that enable them to understand, interpret and analyse addictive behaviour, as well as to evaluate and intervene effectively.
- To know the different mechanisms of action of drugs and behavioural addictions and their relationship with aspects derived from neurobiology, genetics and social aspects.
- To know the different pharmacological, psychiatric and psychological therapeutic approaches in order to select appropriate measures of approach and social reintegration for people with addictive disorders.
- To become familiar with the care resources available, both public and private, to address these disorders in a comprehensive manner.

• Competencies

  COM01 – To understand and apply advanced knowledge in the prevention and therapeutic management of drug dependence and addictive behaviours.
  COM02 – To interact and communicate effectively with affected individuals, their families, social mediators, and other professionals, demonstrating empathy and conflict resolution skills.
  COM03 – To understand and apply methodologies and resources in pharmacology, psychopathology, prevention, education, therapeutic approaches, and legal aspects, as well as to analyse and reflect on these frameworks.
  COM04 – To develop preventive and clinical interventions independently, with the ability to innovate and apply original ideas in research contexts.
  COM05 – To demonstrate the ability to analyse, synthesise, and manage information.
  COM06 – To solve problems and make effective decisions, adapting to new situations.
  COM07 – To work efficiently both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team, demonstrating interpersonal skills and acknowledging diversity and multiculturalism.
  COM08 – To act with ethical commitment, critical thinking, and professional responsibility in the context of addictions and drug dependence.
  COM09 – To design and manage research projects on addictions.
  COM10 – To critically evaluate scientific literature on addictions.
  COM11 – To interact empathetically and effectively with individuals with addictive behaviours, using communication skills to resolve problems and manage conflicts.
  COM12 – To communicate information clearly and appropriately for different audiences and formats, maintaining a professional approach suited to each context.

• Abilities and skills

  HAB01 – To understand psychological vulnerability and to analyse the prevention and treatment of addictions from a social perspective.
  HAB02 – To design, plan and evaluate prevention and intervention programmes in collaboration with other professionals.
  HAB03 – To effectively address clinical cases involving Substance Use Disorders (SUD).
  HAB04 – To create prevention programmes that take into account diversity and a gender perspective.
  HAB05 – To continuously adapt and improve professional practice in drug dependence and addictions.
  HAB06 – To be familiar with the organisation and programmes of Drug Dependence Care Units (UAD).
  HAB07 – To formulate objectives and to develop intervention plans based on accurate assessments.
  HAB08 – To develop and coordinate appropriate preventive strategies, including harm and risk reduction.
  HAB09 – To value responsibility in achieving a sustainable future.
  HAB10 – To reflect on and innovate in educational practices, promoting autonomous and cooperative learning.
  HAB11 – To appropriately apply and select information and communication technologies in the classroom.
  HAB12 – To analyse addictive behaviours and their impacts from a feminist perspective, identifying and addressing gender-based discrimination and violence.
  HAB13 – To identify genetic factors related to addictions.
  HAB14 – Skills for scientific dissemination and communication of results.

• Knowledge

  K01 – Definition and key terminology in addictive behaviours and drug dependence.
  K02 – Differences between use, abuse, and substance dependence.
  K03 – Non-substance addictive behaviours (gambling, internet use, compulsive shopping).
  K04 – History of substance use and abuse.
  K05 – Cultural and anthropological influences on addictive behaviours.
  K06 – Socioeconomic impact of drugs and addictions.
  K07 – Analysis of addictions from a gender perspective.
  K08 – Differential impact of addictions on women and men.
  K09 – Gender-based intervention strategies.
  K10 – Genetic factors and predisposition to addictions.
  K11 – Psychological models and theories of addiction.
  K12 – Assessment and diagnosis of addictive disorders.
  K13 – Classification of substances with abuse potential (alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, medication).
  K14 – Classification of behavioural addictions (gambling, internet, video games).
  K15 – Statistical data and trends in drug use and behavioural addictions.
  K16 – Geopolitics of drugs and their implications.
  K17 – Interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors in addiction.
  K18 – Neurobiology of pleasure and reward.
  K19 – Risk and protective factors.
  K20 – Prevention, treatment, and social reintegration strategies.
  K21 – Assessment and coordination of preventive and therapeutic actions.
  K22 – Main explanatory theories of addictions.
  K23 – Intervention models.
  K24 – Gender perspective in addiction theories.
  K25 – Neurobiological foundations of addiction.
  K26 – Principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
  K27 – Effects of substances on the central nervous system.
  K28 – Psychopathology and comorbid disorders.
  K29 – Methods of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
  K30 – Types of available resources: outpatient centres, residential facilities, therapeutic communities.
  K31 – Specific therapeutic approaches for different substances and behavioural addictions.
  K32 – Intervention strategies for at-risk children and adolescents.
  K33 – Addictions in vulnerable populations: homeless people, migrants, ethnic minorities.
  K34 – Special considerations for women and older adults.
  K35 – Definition and types of prevention: universal, selective, and indicated.
  K36 – Prevention strategies and policies.
  K37 – Risk and protective factors within the family, school, and community.
  K38 – Evaluation of regional and local prevention plans.
  K39 – Analysis of successful experiences in prevention and social reintegration.
  K40 – Quantitative and qualitative methods in addiction research.
  K41 – Applied statistics in the analysis of addictive behaviours.
  K42 – Technological innovations in addiction research (big data, artificial intelligence)

Mobility

Information on mobility programmes for students, teaching and research staff (PDI) and administrative and service staff (PAS) can be found in the following links:
https://www.uvigo.gal/es/estudiar/movilidad
(UVigo)
https://www.usc.gal/gl/institucional/goberno/area/normativa/alumnado
(USC)

Internships

The internships will take place in centres dedicated to the prevention, treatment and reintegration of people with drug addictions and addictive behaviours (UADs), NGOs with subsidies from the Regional Ministry of Health for the implementation of preventive programmes, private clinics specialised and recognised for the approach and treatment of people with problems derived from drug use and/or other behavioural addictions, town councils and institutions that develop preventive and assistance programmes.
In general terms, they will be developed mainly in:
- Drug dependence and addictive behaviour prevention work teams.
- Work teams working on the treatment and approach to drug addictions and addictive behaviours.
- Work in the field of epidemiology and research in drug addiction and addictive behaviour.
- Mental health units
- Drug dependence and addictive behaviour treatment units.

The assessment of the subject will be carried out through the presentation and public defence of the Master’s dissertation (60%) and a report prepared by the director, which will include the assessment of the expected learning outcomes (20%).
For the presentation, it will be necessary to have the approval of the tutor-director of the project.
The public defence will be carried out in front of a Qualifying Committee made up of three lecturers from the Master’s faculty (20%), excluding the participation of the director-tutor of the project.