The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Addiction Medicine (Dip AM) is a specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals who wish to expand their expertise in the assessment, management, and treatment of substance use disorders. This diploma is not intended for fresh candidates but is aimed at experienced learners seeking to enhance their career prospects, broaden their professional knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Addiction medicine is a critical field within healthcare, addressing the complex physical, psychological, and social aspects of substance misuse. This qualification equips learners with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to assess patients, develop evidence-based treatment plans, and implement interventions that improve patient outcomes. Learners gain insight into pharmacological and behavioural therapies, relapse prevention strategies, and the management of comorbid mental and physical health conditions commonly associated with addiction.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Addiction Medicine (Dip AM) are expected to maintain high standards of teaching and learner support. This includes employing qualified and competent staff, providing access to up-to-date learning materials, case studies, and clinical resources, as well as ensuring robust assessment and quality assurance systems. Learners benefit from a structured environment that encourages professional growth, ethical practice, and reflective learning.
Completing this diploma enables learners to develop specialist skills in addiction medicine, enhancing their professional credibility and opening pathways for career progression, academic advancement, and meaningful contributions to patient care in healthcare, rehabilitation, and community settings.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Addiction Medicine (Dip AM)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2200902
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Addiction Medicine (Dip AM) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200902-1 |
Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200902-2 |
Neurobiology and Pathophysiology of Addiction |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200902-3 |
Assessment and Diagnosis of Substance Use Disorders |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200902-4 |
Management of Common Addictive Disorders |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200902-5 |
Pharmacological and Psychosocial Interventions |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200902-6 |
Public Health, Ethics, and Professional Development in Addiction Medicine |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine
- Understand the scope and importance of addiction medicine within healthcare.
- Recognise common addictive disorders and their impact on individual and public health.
- Explain the principles of patient-centred care in addiction management.
- Analyse current trends, research, and evidence-based practices in addiction medicine.
Unit 2: Neurobiology and Pathophysiology of Addiction
- Describe the neurobiological mechanisms underlying substance use and addiction.
- Explain the pathophysiological effects of addictive substances on the body and brain.
- Analyse the interaction between addiction and co-existing physical or mental health conditions.
- Understand how biological and environmental factors influence addiction risk and recovery.
Unit 3: Assessment and Diagnosis of Substance Use Disorders
- Conduct effective patient histories and clinical assessments specific to substance use.
- Apply diagnostic criteria and tools for identifying substance use disorders.
- Interpret laboratory tests and screening assessments relevant to addiction.
- Develop evidence-based diagnostic plans and identify comorbidities affecting patient care.
Unit 4: Management of Common Addictive Disorders
- Differentiate between acute and chronic addictive disorders.
- Develop treatment plans for alcohol, drug, and behavioural addictions.
- Apply evidence-based strategies for relapse prevention and rehabilitation.
- Monitor and evaluate patient outcomes to adjust care plans effectively.
Unit 5: Pharmacological and Psychosocial Interventions
- Explain pharmacological treatments for managing addiction and withdrawal.
- Evaluate psychosocial interventions including counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, and group therapy.
- Develop integrated treatment plans combining pharmacological and psychosocial approaches.
- Monitor patient progress and modify interventions to improve outcomes.
Unit 6: Public Health, Ethics, and Professional Development in Addiction Medicine
- Explain public health strategies for addiction prevention and harm reduction.
- Analyse ethical considerations, patient confidentiality, and informed consent in addiction care.
- Demonstrate professional standards, reflective practice, and adherence to CPD principles.
- Apply evidence-based practices to improve addiction care delivery and patient outcomes.
- Healthcare professionals seeking to specialise in addiction medicine and develop advanced skills in patient care.
- Doctors, nurses, and allied health practitioners aiming to enhance their expertise in assessing and managing substance use disorders.
- Professionals working in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, mental health facilities, and community healthcare settings.
- Medical staff and therapists looking to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based addiction interventions.
- Public health practitioners focused on addiction prevention, harm reduction, and community health strategies.
- Learners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and professional growth in healthcare.
- Professionals seeking internationally recognised qualifications to advance their careers and credibility in addiction medicine.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Addiction Medicine (Dip AM) must meet rigorous academic and professional standards to ensure learners receive high-quality training and achieve successful outcomes. Key requirements include:
- Qualified and Competent Staff – Trainers, assessors, and academic staff must hold recognised qualifications in addiction medicine, healthcare, psychology, or related fields, with practical experience in managing substance use disorders.
- Adequate Learning Facilities – Centres should provide classrooms, access to clinical or simulated learning environments, and digital resources to support both theoretical and applied learning.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources – Up-to-date textbooks, research journals, e-learning platforms, and clinical case studies relevant to addiction medicine must be accessible to learners.
- Robust Assessment Systems – Centres must implement reliable and valid assessment methods, including written assignments, case studies, and practical evaluations, to ensure fair and accurate measurement of learner competence.
- Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) – Structured quality assurance processes must be in place to maintain consistency and integrity in teaching, learning, and assessment.
- Learner Support Services – Academic guidance, mentoring, and professional support must be available to help learners achieve their full potential.
- Access to Technology and Digital Platforms – Centres should provide online learning tools, digital resources, and assessment platforms to enhance accessibility and flexibility.
- Compliance with LICQual Standards – Delivery must adhere to LICQual policies on quality assurance, safeguarding, equality, and inclusion.
- Accurate Record Management – Centres must maintain secure and accurate records of learner progress, assessments, and certification documentation in line with regulatory and audit requirements.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
