This paper describes an undergraduate course in addictions within the health science sector linking theory with practice at a university in New Zealand. The essence of this addiction course includes both a strong theoretical basis and public health focus. The theoretical and practical content is described with examples of the students' pedagogical journey in the course. Three conceptual elements lay at the foundation of this course and are easily explained by employing the symbolic allegory found in "The Wizard of Oz" (Baum, 1900): that of the heart (the Tin Woodman), the brain (the Scarecrow) and courage (the Cowardly Lion).