PK304: Substance misuse and addictions
How can we better understand substance misuse and addiction, and better help those affected?
- Study the latest science in alcohol and drug addictions
- Learn the neuroscience behind drug reward and addiction
- Understand how best to provide support to those affected by addiction

Approx. 15 hours of training,
with 12 months to complete
5 modules for just
$579.00
Gain an in-depth understanding of the latest science in mental health and help affect positive outcomes for your patients or clients with mild to moderate mental health challenges.
This mental health course will give you solid knowledge of the neuroscience behind drug reward and addiction, and how to provide support, including:
- The neuroscience of addiction
- The DSM-5 and disease model of addiction
- Addiction vs dependency
- Modern theories of addiction
- Alcohol addiction and the long term impact
- Substitution therapy
- Alcohol addiction medication
Study online, at home, any time
All our courses are accessed from the convenience of your computer, smartphone or tablet, all from the comfort of your own home.
Learn on your own time, at your own pace, and in your own space.
Meet your instructors

Lisa Burch
Alcohol addiction specialist & Registered Nurse
Lisa is a PreKure Certified Health Coach, who specialises in addictive behaviours especially as related to alcohol.

Dr Catherine Crofts
Pharmacist
Catherine has a PhD in the early diagnosis of metabolic disease, and is experienced in the deprescribing of medications.

Prof Grant Schofield
Prof Public Health
Director of The Centre for Human Potential at AUT University and men’s mental health advisor for Movember.
Testimonials

Sometimes it's nice to have a chat
with someone before committing.
Course Overview
This course includes:
Module 1: What is substance misuse / addictions?
Module 2: Why do we get addicted?
Module 3: Alcohol addiction
Module 4: Recovery and growth through addiction 1
Module 5: Recovery and growth through addiction 2

Approx. 15 hours of training,
with 12 months to complete
5 modules for just
$579.00

Frequently Asked Questions
Invisible Accordion
When does the course start and finish?
This course is available for you to start immediately as soon as you enrol with online, 24/7 access. You then have 12 months to complete your short course.
How long will it take to complete?
The course usually takes approximately 12-15 hours to complete.
Can I go at my own pace?
Yes. You can do this course in your own time and at your own pace, with online 24/7 access. The course can easily be completed within four weeks by committing to approximately 3-5 hours of learning per week. You do however have up to 12 months to complete your course.
Do I receive any certification for completing the course?
You will receive a PREKURE Certificate of Completion for this course.
What happens after I finish the course?
If you would like to continue learning, choose another Short Course or cross-credit into one of our Certificates.
Do I have to be a Health Coach or Health Professional to do this course?
No. This course is perfect if you want to upskill for your own benefit. You will learn many tips and tricks that will help you and your loved ones.
Who should do this course?
This course is ideal for medical doctors, registered nurses, physios, personal trainers, dietitians, nutritionists, PREKURE trained Health Coaches and allied health professionals.
It is also perfect for people who want to upskill for your own or your family’s benefit.
I am a nurse, physio or pharmacist. Does this course counts towards my CPD credits?
Yes, it counts as 15 hours.
Is this a CME endorsed course by The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGPs)?
Our courses have been endorsed by The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) and have been approved for CME credits for the General Practice Educational Programme (GPEP) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) purposes.
How do I know this course is credible and contains correct information?
The course is scientifically-based and evidence-informed with full academic references provided for all materials. It is taught by our highly qualified, world-class teaching Faculty with extensive real-world experience. One of our past students says, “By aligning with a professional group like PREKURE, I can reassure my clients that I am using the latest, evidence-based tools and techniques to support them.”
What if I am unhappy with the course?
If you are dissatisfied for any reason with your purchase, contact us within 30 days and we will give you a full refund, no questions asked.
Do I get lifetime access to this course?
No. All PREKURE course content is available for 12 months from the date you enrol. Each module does however come with notes that you can download.
If you’re completing this Short Course as part of a Certificate you can retain access to your course content by joining the PREKURE Postgrad Network, an exclusive membership offering postgraduate professional support to PREKURE Certificate graduates. This includes access to updated content, resources and references as we continue to develop and re-release courses.
Join the course &
get updated with the latest science
PREKURE provides training in the theory and practice of lifestyle medicine for mild to medium mental health challenges. We cannot provide personalised medical advice. If you or your loved ones require personal medical advice, or suffer from moderate to severe mental ill-health, then we recommend you consult a registered health practitioner (GP, Registered Psychologist).
Need help now?
- In New Zealand: If life is in danger, call 111 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor or access other Helplines and Support here
- In Australia: If life is in danger, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. Or call 13 11 14 (Lifeline), 1300 22 4636 (Beyond Blue), or call 1300 659 467 (Suicide Call Back Service).