Foundation for Professional Development

Substance Use Disorders

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Short course

Course type

3 hrs

Study time

Online

Mode of learning

3 CPD points

3 Clinical
(70% average required)

Course overview

"Substance use disorders are a growing public health challenge, affecting individuals, families, and communities across South Africa. For healthcare professionals, understanding the neurobiology of addiction is essential—not only to recognise it early, but also to respond with informed, compassionate, and evidence‑based care. Without a solid grasp of how the brain’s reward pathway drives dependence, even well‑intentioned clinicians may miss critical warning signs or overlook opportunities for timely intervention. This course provides the essential foundation needed to support patients more effectively and confidently.

Substance Use Disorders is a focused, engaging 3‑hour learning experience designed to demystify addiction and strengthen your clinical decision‑making. You’ll explore the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders, deepen your understanding through high‑impact videos on how addiction changes the brain, and consolidate your knowledge through a practical reading on management strategies and common complications.

Your learning concludes with a graded quiz, and achieving 70% earns you 3 HPCSA‑accredited CPD points. Whether you’re working in primary care, emergency settings, mental health, or community health, this course equips you with the essential insights needed to better identify, manage, and support patients struggling with substance use."
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Who is this course for?

South African Doctors

Required qualification

MBCHB

Course level

Intermediate

Develop your professional skills

Why choose this course?

  • Comprehensive Clinical Insight:
    Understand the neurobiology of addiction and DSM-5-TR diagnostic framework.

  • Practical Diagnostic Skills:
    Learn to accurately identify and assess substance use disorders using evidence-based tools.

  • Real-World Treatment Approaches:
    Apply effective management strategies, including withdrawal care and relapse prevention.

About the academic institution

Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) is a South African Private Institution of Higher Education established in October 1997 by the South African Medical Association and has been registered with the DHET since 2002.

580 000+
Students 

27
Years

110
countries

FPD contact info

  shortprog@foundation.co.za
  +27 87 821 1109 

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Course Lessons

  • Certificate included

    Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a certificate of completion from the Foundation for Professional Development, a name synonymous with excellence in professional growth.

Course developer 

DMH(SA), Mental Health
Dr Wouie Basson
Dr Wouie Basson is a general practitioner specialising in mental health, practicing both virtually and from her clinic in Worcester, Western Cape, South Africa. She is self-employed and committed to delivering accessible, high-quality mental health care. A graduate of Stellenbosch University, she focuses on patient-centered treatment, leveraging telehealth to expand reach. Her work reflects a growing trend in integrating digital platforms into mental health services, especially in underserved regions.
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Available on mobile and web

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