Abstract
South Africa has a high lifetime prevalence of substance use disorders, estimated at 13.3% of the general population. Despite this high prevalence, treatment rates remain relatively low compared to need. A key reason for low treatment rates is the lack of expertise among professionals for the detection and treatment of substance use disorders and the limited size of the addiction care workforce. Workforce development is thus essential for the implementation of a comprehensive strategy to reduce substance-related harm within South Africa. In response to this need, the University of Cape Town has introduced a Postgraduate Diploma in Addictions Care and a Master of Philosophy in Addictions Mental Health. These postgraduate courses have been designed to equip health and social welfare professionals with the necessary skills to provide evidence-based early intervention, treatment and aftercare services for children, adolescents, adults and families affected by substance use disorders. This paper provides an overview of both programmes and reflects on lessons learnt from the inaugural group of students enrolled for the Postgraduate Diploma in Addictions Care and from the cohort of professionals who completed the Master of Philosophy in Addictions Mental Health since its inception.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the Western Cape Department of Social Development for funding the development and implementation of the Diploma; as well as Dr Robert MacDonald and his team in the Premier’s office who provided the necessary political and practical support to make this endeavour possible. We also thank the past (Prof M. Jacobs; Prof S. Kidson), and present (Prof W. de Villiers) Deans of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Cape Town for their support, as well as the CEO of Groote Schuur Hospital, Dr T. Carter. We also acknowledge all lecturers and staff who have contributed to the running of the courses.
Conflict of Interest
In the past 3 years, Dan Stein has received research grants and/or consultancy honoraria from AMBRF, Biocodex, Cipla, Lundbeck, National Responsible Gambling Foundation, Novartis, Servier, and Sun.
Sharon Kleintjes, Bronwyn Myers, Sonja Pasche and Don Wilson declare no conflict of interest.
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Pasche, S., Kleintjes, S., Wilson, D. et al. Improving Addiction Care in South Africa: Development and Challenges to Implementing Training in Addictions Care at the University of Cape Town. Int J Ment Health Addiction 13, 322–332 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-014-9537-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-014-9537-7