CM2S058 - Substance Use and Misuse: A line too far? 01 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: CM2S058
Module Title: Substance Use and Misuse: A line too far?
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Policing and Criminology
Faculty Sub Group: Criminology
Module Leader: Marian Buhociu
Module Team: Daniel Welch, Helen Martin, Louise McGibbon
First Intended Intake: SEP 2024 Final Year of Intake: 2029
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2024
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

Module Aims

To enable students to explore the diverse aspects of substance-related issues, including production, distribution, patterns of use, and associated harms, while evaluating initiatives implemented by various agencies to mitigate the consequences of substance misuse.

Content Summary

This module is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of substance misuse and its multifaceted dimensions. The course is divided into a number of parts, each focusing on key aspects related to substance misuse.

Introduction to Substance Misuse:

  • Definition of substance misuse and historical perspectives.

  • Types of Substances and Patterns of Use; Exploration of various substances, patterns, and trends in substance misuse.

  • Causative Factors and 'Addiction':

  • Factors influencing the initiation, persistence, and cessation of substance use.

  • Examination of the concept of 'addiction.'

  • Public perception, stigmatisation, and media portrayal of substance misuse.

  • Societal reactions to individuals with substance use disorders.

Supply of Substances:

  • Analysis of drug supply chains, including retail markets, production, and trafficking.

  • Media representations of substance misuse-related issues, such as users, addiction, trafficking, and treatment.

Health Consequences:

  • Physical, mental, and social health consequences of substance misuse.

  • Co-occurring disorders, withdrawal symptoms, and addiction.

Policy, Law, and Legal Frameworks:

  • Government policies and the legal framework surrounding substance misuse.

  • Impact of drug laws on substance misuse.

  • Police and Courts:

  • The role of the Police and the criminal justice system in addressing substance misuse.

  • Judicial responses and court procedures.

Treatment, Harm Reduction and Prevention:

  • Rehabilitation, treatment, and support services for individuals with substance use disorders.

  • Statutory and voluntary treatment options.

  • Strategies and approaches for harm reduction.

  • Prevention initiatives and their effectiveness. The process of recovery from substance use disorders.

  • Support systems and resources available for individuals in recovery.

Research and Emerging Trends:

  • Current research on substance misuse and emerging trends.

  • Innovative treatment and drug policy initiatives from the UK, Wales and other regions.

The module will also involve the use of real-life case studies and insights from professionals in the field.

This module offers a comprehensive exploration of substance misuse. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of this critical issue, examining it from multiple angles, which will allow them to critically assess the topic of substance misuse in diverse contexts.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Practical Classes and Workshops 36
Independent Study 84
Directed Study (including online independent learning) 80
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate an advanced comprehension of the origins, characteristics and consequences of substance misuse.
LO2 Analyse and evaluate societal responses to issues related to substance misuse.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 A written report subject that draws on knowledge and material from the module or course? 0 2500 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Report 1 ✔ ✔

Reading List

Bean, P. (2014) Drugs and Crime. Abingdon: Routledge.

Bennett, T., Holloway, K and Maguire, M. (2013) Evaluation of the Implementation of the Substance Misuse Policy . https://gov.wales/statistics-and-research/evaluation-implementation-substance-misuse-strategy-wales/?lang=en [1

Coomber, R., McElrath, K., Measham, F., and Moore, K. (2013) Key Concepts in Drugs and Society. London: Sage.

Hanson, G.R., Venturelli, P.J., and Fleckenstein, A.E. (2012) Drugs and Society, Eleventh Edition. London: Jones and B Hucklesby,

Kleiman, M.A.R, Caulkins, J.P. and Hawken, A. (2011) Drugs and Drug Policy: What Everyone Needs to Know. New York

Livingstone, W., Perkins, A., McCarthy, T., Madoc-Jones, I., Wighton, S., Wilson, F., and Nicholas, D. (2018) Review of Harm. Accessed at: https://gov.wales/statistics-and-research/review-working-together-reduce-harm/?lang=en.

Manning, P. (2007) Drugs and popular culture: drugs, media and identity in contemporary society. Cullompton, Devo Hanson, G., Venturelli, P. J. and Fleckenstein, A. E. (2018) Drugs and society. Thirteenth edition. Burlington, MA:

Pycroft, A. (2015) Key Concepts in Substance Misuse. London: Sage.

Stevens, A. (2011) Drugs, Crime and Public Health. Abingdon: Routledge.

United Nations: Office on Drugs and Crime (2021) World drug report 2021. New York: United Nations. Shiner, M. (2009) Drug use and social change: the distortion of history. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Walters, G. (2013) Drugs, Crime, and Their Relationships: Theory, Research, Practice and Policy. Burlington.

Walters, G. D. (2014a) Drugs, crime, and their relationships: theory, research, practice, and policy. Sudbury.