Postgraduate Alcohol and Other Drug Practitioner Training in New Zealand: Significant Influences

Objective:The purpose of this article is to present a case study of the evolution of postgraduate-level training programs for alcohol and other drug (AOD) practitioners provided by two universities in New Zealand.Method:The case study compiles details on relevant treatment contexts and systems in New Zealand and key milestones and significant developments in postgraduate AOD practitioner programs in two locations over a 30-year period. The details were compiled by the authors, all of whom were closely involved with the development of the training programs.Results:The key ingredients for success that were identified included a focus on specialized learning overlaying generic undergraduate professional training; a core commitment to practice-oriented teaching; investment in the training by government bodies; and the parallel emergence of professional bodies, registration systems, and collaborative relationships across agencies. In a small country, the two programs have enabled 345 students to obtain special...