Certificate in the management of problem drug use

The course focuses on a holistic approach to helping people who use drugs, their families and communities, including new priorities and changes in management and treatment. The ethos of the course is to promote reducing harm and drug deaths within a recovery focused framework.

RCGP Scotland has received funding from the Scottish Government to deliver this certificate at a heavily subsidised rate for primary care professionals working in Scotland. Building on the success of the of this established course, the certificate reflects the changing picture of problem drug use in Scotland and new priorities in management and treatment.

Part One consists of either two half-day online sessions, or one full-day in person. It is designed for people working at a generalist level and those intending to provide treatment as part of a locally or nationally enhanced service. This can be completed in isolation or used as an introduction to Part Two.

Part Two runs between March and October each year and aims to allow participants to develop additional competencies relevant to, and suitable for, care and treatment interventions at a specialist level. Participants must complete Part One (or an equivalent qualification) prior to applying for Part Two.

This course is open to all professionals working in Primary Care in Scotland including, but not limited to:

• GPs
• Practice/Community Nursing Staff
• Pharmacists
• Prison healthcare staff
• Third sector workers in clinical settings
• Allied Health Professionals

Please note that you must be working a role based in Scotland to be eligible for this course.

Certificate overview

Part One

Part One is suitable for those working at a generalist level and intending to provide treatment as part of a locally or nationally enhanced service. Participants are asked to complete two short e-modules on the Scottish Drugs Forum e-Learning platform before attending either two half day interactive online sessions or one full day session delivered in person.

This is an introduction to the certificate and can be taken as a standalone course or as a prelude to Part Two. Those who have already completed Part One (or an equivalent qualification) can apply directly for Part Two.

Aim

To support the aims of the Scottish Drugs strategy – Harm Reduction, Reduce Stigma and Drug Death Prevention. In addition, the course introduces participants to the basic principles of care for people who use drugs.

Objectives

Participants will gain knowledge of practical harm reduction, drug death prevention, medication assisted treatment (e.g. methadone, buprenorphine), support for families and children and recovery journeys.

Applications and fees

This course is offered at a subsidised rate thanks to Scottish Government funding:

• Fee for Part One: £50

The next Part One will be held Friday 21 November 2025 at the Edinburgh Training and Conference Venue. Registration will open shortly and will be accessible from this page.

If you would like to pre-register your interest in Part One, please email drugsmisuse@rcgp.org.uk.

Part Two

Part Two runs between March and October each year and is equivalent to 55 hours of CPD.

The course is delivered using small tutor led groups to encourage self-directed learning and change in practice in the field of care for people affected by drug use. Participants are required to attend a National Training Day, Tutor Led Sessions and complete self-directed learning and Quality Improvement activities. The course is assessed by submission of a portfolio of evidence and discussion about this with the personal tutor. Portfolios are marked by an examination panel and the Certificate is awarded to participants who meet the course requirements.

Undertaking the Part Two is a rewarding but significant commitment and participants must be confident that they will be able to complete the work before enrolling. Where appropriate, support from line management should be sought to allow designated time to complete the work.

Aim

Part Two aims to allow participants to develop additional competencies relevant to, and suitable for, care and treatment interventions at a specialist level. Completion of this Certificate will equip participants to be competent in the holistic management of people affected by drug use in their clinical setting.

Objectives

Participants will gain in depth knowledge of evidence-based management of people with problem drug and their families with an emphasis on incorporating this into their practice. Areas covered include prescribing medication assisted treatment, delivering harm reduction interventions, recognising and managing risk of drug related death, supporting families and protecting children, managing multi-morbidity in people who use drugs and supporting the recovery journey.

Course dates and structure

• National Training Day: The course opens with the National Training Day in March which is delivered in-person in Edinburgh. This day opens the course and features a series of guest speakers, group activities, and an introduction to the Tutors, tutor groups, and the rest of the course.
• Tutor Led Sessions: There are two full-day in-person Tutor Led Sessions which can be split into half days if online sessions are preferred by the group. The dates and delivery preference/location will be agreed by each group.

Tasks and assessment

• Presentation: Participants are required to use research papers to prepare a presentation for their small tutor group.
• Essay: Participants are required to produce a 1500 word essay on a chosen topic.
• QI activity and field visit: Participants are required to undertake a Quality Improvement (QI) activity in their practice and arrange a virtual field visit to another organisation working in the field.
• Portfolio submission: Participants are required to submit a course portfolio in October that includes evidence that the above methods have been achieved. This Portfolio is marked by an examination panel.

Applications and fees

This course is offered at a subsidised rate thanks to Scottish Government funding:

• Fee for Part Two: £200

Participants must complete Part One (or an equivalent qualification) prior to applying for Part Two. Applications for the 2026 intake of Part Two will open in November and will be accessible from this page.

If you would like to pre-register your interest in Part Two, please email drugsmisuse@rcgp.org.uk.