Post Graduate Diploma / Executive Diploma in Addiction Psychology

The Post Graduate Diploma/Executive Diploma in Addiction Psychology is an intensive, interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of substance use and behavioural addictions. Integrating knowledge from psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry, public health, and social work, the course examines the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of addiction and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. Emphasizing evidence-based and person-centered care, the program covers key areas such as the neurobiology of addiction, early intervention, psychological and pharmacological treatment, dual diagnosis, behavioural addictions, and rehabilitation strategies. Students will develop practical skills in assessment, treatment planning, counselling, and community-based interventions, while also exploring issues related to stigma, legal frameworks, policy, and the intersection of addiction and crime. Grounded in a rights-based and recovery-oriented approach, this program prepares future professionals to support individuals in their recovery journey and contribute to more inclusive, ethical, and effective addiction care systems.

Programme Overview

The Post Graduate Diploma / Executive Diploma in Addiction Psychology is a one-year intensive program designed to equip professionals with the expertise to understand, prevent, and treat substance use and behavioural addictions through integrated, evidence-based approaches. This comprehensive course draws from psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry, public health, and social work to explore the complex biological, psychological, and social dimensions of addiction. The curriculum covers core areas such as the neurobiology of addiction, psychological and pharmacological interventions, screening and early intervention, dual diagnosis, rehabilitation, and relapse prevention. Specialized topics include addiction in special populations, the relationship between addiction and crime, behavioural addictions such as gambling and internet use, and the impact of legal and policy frameworks on treatment access and stigma. Emphasizing ethical care, cultural competence, and a rights-based, person-centered philosophy, the program blends theoretical learning with real-world application through case studies, and assessments. Participants will develop the skills to conduct clinical assessments, design individualized recovery plans, support relapse prevention, and contribute to inclusive, community-based addiction care systems.

Programme Structure

Module 1: Introduction to Addiction Psychology

• Core Concepts and Definitions of Addiction
• Classification Systems: DSM-5-TR and ICD-11
• Myths, Misconceptions, and Stigma Around Addiction
• Overview of Models of Addiction (Moral, Disease, Psychological, Biopsychosocial)

Module 2: The Neurobiology of the Addicted Brain

• Brain Reward Circuitry
• Neurochemistry of Addiction
• Neuroadaptation and Plasticity
• Brain Imaging and Neurobiological Evidence
• Neurological Recovery and Brain Healing

Module 3: Screening and Early Intervention

• Screening Tools and Assessment Techniques
• Identifying Risk and Protective Factors
• Brief Interventions and Early Engagement

Module 4: De-addiction and Rehabilitation

• Medical Detoxification and Pharmacological Interventions
• Inpatient, Outpatient, and Community-Based Rehabilitation Models
• Multidisciplinary Approaches to Recovery and Relapse Prevention
• Peer-Based and Policy Approaches to Recovery

 Module 5: Psychological Approaches to Recovery

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Third-Wave Therapies
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
• Individual vs Group Therapy Approaches

Module 6:  Addiction, Crime, and the Criminal Justice System

• The Relationship Between Substance Use and Criminal Behavior
• Drug-Related Offenses: Possession, Trafficking, and Drug-Induced Violence
• Addiction in Incarcerated Populations: Prevalence and Treatment Needs
• Legal Responses to Addiction: Decriminalization, Drug Courts, and Rehabilitation in Prisons

 Module 7: Disorders Co-occurring with Substance Abuse (Dual Diagnosis)

• Common Comorbid Conditions
• Assessment and Diagnosis of Dual Disorders
• Integrated Treatment Models
• Suicidality and Risk Management 

 Module 8: Behavioural and Non-Substance Addictions Add Intervention

• Gambling and Internet Gaming Disorders
• Sex and Pornography Addiction
• Eating Disorders as Addictive Behaviours
• Treatment of Non-Substance Addictions

Module 9: Addiction Across Special Populations

• Substance Use in Adolescents and Young Adults: Risk Factors and Early Intervention
• Women and Addiction: Gender-Specific Patterns, Trauma, and Treatment Needs
• Addiction in Older Adults: Polypharmacy, Isolation, and Hidden Use
• Cultural and Minority Perspectives in Addiction: Barriers to Access and Culturally Sensitive Care

 Module 10: Case Studies in Addiction Psychology

Eligibility

Graduate in any discipline is eligible for our Post Graduate Diploma and Certificate Programmes. For Executive Diploma programmes and Professional Certifications, you need to have at least 1 year of work experience.

Programme Duration

The duration to complete this programme is 1 year (PG Diploma), 6 Months (Executive Diploma).

Programme Mode
Registrations are currently open for regular and online both modes.

Programme Deliverables

A comprehensive study material for all the modules in hard copies ensuring the needs of the audience. The accompanying training material is appropriately aligned with the current Industry’s expectations.

• Assignments for all the programme modules for continuous evaluation and guidance.
• Interactive or online live sessions on all key areas of the programme giving all flexibility to the participants.
• Online classes for all the modules will be conducted on the weekends. Moreover, a doubt clearing session will also be scheduled before the examination
• All the efforts are made by IGMPI faculty members to make the entire programme modules easily understandable.
• Assessment and evaluation for all the programme modules in order to enhance the levels of competencies and skills of the participants leading towards the objective of application in the job.
• At the end of each programme modules, the trainers shall obtain feedback from the participants using specially designed questionnaires.
• All learning and training delivery initiatives shall be conducted in English.

Examination and Certification

IGMPI follows a credit system based on all learning activities involved in studying for all PG Diploma, Executive Diploma and Certificate Programmes. Each of your modules is equal to 4 credits. To successfully complete the programme, you will have to earn all the credits assigned to your programme.

All the participants are expected to appear for an online exam and are also obliged to submit assignments after each module. After successful completion, the participants will be awarded Post Graduate Diploma/Executive Diploma in Addiction Psychology by Centre for Health Management and Research, IGMPI. For all the above-mentioned modules, Online Classes (Online mode) or face-to-face classes (Regular mode), elaborate programme material, self-assessment assignments would be provided by the Institute. Details get updated on the webpage as well.

Placement Assistance & Corporate Relations

The Institute has partnered with many organizations for providing with placement assistance to its participants. Besides, it has a robust placement cell comprised of senior level Human Resources professionals and Talent Acquisition experts which maintains close links with business and industry. This cell is continuously engaged in promoting the employability of our participants and encouraging the concerned Human Resources department and Hiring Managers to recruit/hire our participants for their vacant positions. The efforts of our placement cell also include helping with professional resume writing & interview skills.

In recent months the Institute has witnessed more and more participation from professionals working with global healthcare giants like Healthcare Settings (Apollo, Max Healthcare, Fortis etc.), Corporate Wellness Centres (Amaha, Mantra Care, Nirawellness etc.), Health Coaching and Consultancy (The Health Science Academy, Aanya Wellness, Shreehi Consulting Services LLP etc.), Education and Training, NGO’s (Mindroot Foundation, The MIND foundation etc.), and Private Practices etc.

Future Career Prospects

As the field of addiction psychology continues to expand, the Post Gradaute Diploma / Executive Diploma in Addiction Psychology will evolve to reflect emerging research, interdisciplinary treatment models, and innovations in addiction care and prevention. With increasing global recognition of addiction as a complex, biopsychosocial issue, the programme will continue to draw from psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry, public health, social work, and law to address substance use and behavioral addictions across diverse populations. Future iterations will emphasize culturally sensitive approaches, digital health tools, and evidence-based practices including tele-therapy, harm reduction, and integrated care for dual diagnoses. Specialized training will be offered to equip professionals to work effectively with vulnerable groups such as adolescents, incarcerated individuals, trauma survivors, and marginalized communities. The curriculum will also address policy advocacy, ethical practice, and strategies for practitioner well-being and burnout prevention. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in addiction treatment centres, mental health clinics, hospitals, correctional facilities, public health initiatives, NGOs, educational settings, and government or international organizations focused on substance use prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

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Programme Fee Details

For further enquiries, write to or call us on:
info@igmpi.ac.in / 18001031071 (Toll Free),  Phone: +91 11 26512850