Certificate in Addiction Management in Primary Care

This advanced course is required for GPs progressing to Level 2 OST prescriber status. It builds on the Foundation Course and provides deeper clinical insight and practical skills.

Programme Highlights

• Safe initiation of opioid agonist therapies
• Switching between methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone
• Management of special patient populations (e.g. pregnant patients, dual diagnosis)
• Therapeutic management of:
  • Alcohol
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Z-drugs
  • Cannabis
  • Stimulants
  • Prescribed/OTC opioids
  • Enhanced referral and rehabilitation pathways

Format

• Online blended learning modules and interactive x2 interactive workshops
• Clinical case Workbook or Practice Improvement Project submission

Course Director: Dr Bernard Kenny
Academic Lead: Dr Des Crowley
Course Co-ordinator: Education Department, Irish College of GPs
Further information: education@icgp.ie

The course will commence in October 2025 and run until March 2026. 

Participants are expected to attend two online live workshops (dates TBC), complete online learning modules and submit a Clinical Case Study, demonstrating their learning during the course. 

Live workshops – Dates to be confirmed

All GPs who have completed the Irish College of GPs' Addiction Management in Primary Care Foundation Course are eligible to register for this course.

This course is also the education component for becoming a recognised Level 2 OST Prescriber with the HSE.

• 2 x Live interactive virtual workshops
• Viewing of recorded content
• Pre and Post Module MCQs
• Clinical case’s submission

Registration will open in early October. Please keep an eye on the website.