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    Addiction Courses Online

    Learn about addiction science and treatment methods. Understand the psychological and physiological aspects of substance abuse.

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    Explore the Addiction Course Catalog

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      Y

      Yale University

      Addiction Treatment: Clinical Skills for Healthcare Providers

      Skills you'll gain: Health Disparities, Motivational Interviewing, Mental and Behavioral Health, Health Equity, Patient Treatment, Patient Evaluation, Treatment Planning, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Patient Education And Counseling, Diversity Awareness, Pharmacotherapy, Care Coordination, Psychotherapy, Risk Analysis

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.9K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      E

      Emory University

      The Addicted Brain

      Skills you'll gain: Pharmacology, Health Policy, Mental and Behavioral Health, Neurology, Social Studies, Pharmaceuticals, Vulnerability, Public Health, Psychiatry, Behavioral Health, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Laboratory Research

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.2K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      A

      American Psychological Association

      Psychology of Anxiety, Mood, Substance Use, and Addictive Behaviors

      Skills you'll gain: Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Psychological Evaluations, Mental Health Therapies, Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, Mental and Behavioral Health, Mental Health, Psychology, Behavioral Health, Psychotherapy, Cultural Diversity, Stress Management, Psychiatric And Mental Health Nursing, Rehabilitation, Neurology, Crisis Intervention, Pharmacology, Epidemiology, Pharmacotherapy, Social Sciences

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      204 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      A

      American Psychological Association

      Disorders Due to Substance Use and Addictive Behaviors

      Skills you'll gain: Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Clinical Psychology, Behavioral Health, Rehabilitation, Psychology, Pharmacology, Epidemiology, Neurology, Demography, Biochemistry, Cultural Diversity

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      54 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: New
      New
      Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      Immersify

      Comfort & Care: Pain, Nutrition, Hydration Assessments

      Skills you'll gain: Clinical Nutrition, Nutrition and Diet, Patient Evaluation, Patient Education and Support, Health Assessment, Vital Signs, Direct Patient Care, Pharmacology, Nutrition Education, Healthcare Ethics, Health Care, Clinical Experience, Patient Safety, Medication Therapy Management, Communication, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Health And Safety Standards, Decision Making, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Critical Thinking

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      N

      Novartis

      Drug Hunting: The Science of Making New Medicines

      Skills you'll gain: Drug Interaction, Pharmacology, Clinical Trials, Pharmaceuticals, Competitive Intelligence, Patient Safety, Clinical Pharmacy, Safety Assurance, Laboratory Testing, Risk Analysis, Clinical Research, Medication Administration, Laboratory Research, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Medical Science and Research, Infectious Diseases, Biology, Molecular Biology, Regulatory Compliance

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      208 reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    What brings you to Coursera today?

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      W

      Wesleyan University

      Abnormal Psychology

      Skills you'll gain: Motivational Interviewing, Psychological Evaluations, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Behavioral Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, Behavior Management, Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, Psychology, Research, Scientific Methods, Mental Health Therapies, Learning Theory, Experimentation, Psychiatric And Mental Health Nursing, Psychotherapy, Stress Management, Pharmacology, Goal Setting

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      681 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      U

      University of Toronto

      Introduction to Psychology

      Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Behavior Management, Experimentation, Human Development, Social Sciences, Scientific Methods, Cultural Diversity, Statistical Analysis

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      5.3K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      W

      Wesleyan University

      Creating Behavioral Change

      Skills you'll gain: Motivational Interviewing, Behavioral Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, Behavior Management, Research, Scientific Methods, Learning Theory, Psychology, Experimentation, Goal Setting

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      176 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      U

      University of Geneva

      A life with ADHD

      Skills you'll gain: Organizational Skills, Mental Concentration, Behavior Management, Mental and Behavioral Health, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Psychiatry, Human Development, Psychological Evaluations, Working With Children, Psychotherapy, Family Medicine, Child Development, Patient Education And Counseling, Pharmacology

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      70 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      T

      The University of Chicago

      Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life

      Skills you'll gain: Neurology, Psychology, Anatomy, Behavioral Health, Human Learning, Non-Verbal Communication, Biology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Basic Electrical Systems, Speech Language Pathology, Pharmacology

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.2K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      U

      University of Geneva

      Drugs, drug use, drug policy and health

      Skills you'll gain: Public Health, Social Justice, Policy Analysis, Pharmacology, Health Policy, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Policy Development, Social Sciences, Advocacy, International Relations, Community Organizing

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      269 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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    1234…9

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular addiction courses

    • Addiction Treatment: Clinical Skills for Healthcare Providers: Yale University
    • The Addicted Brain: Emory University
    • Psychology of Anxiety, Mood, Substance Use, and Addictive Behaviors: American Psychological Association
    • Disorders Due to Substance Use and Addictive Behaviors: American Psychological Association
    • Comfort & Care: Pain, Nutrition, Hydration Assessments: Immersify
    • Drug Hunting: The Science of Making New Medicines: Novartis
    • Abnormal Psychology: Wesleyan University
    • Introduction to Psychology: University of Toronto
    • Creating Behavioral Change: Wesleyan University
    • A life with ADHD: University of Geneva

    Frequently Asked Questions about Addiction

    Addiction occurs when someone has a compulsive desire to use a specific drug, such as alcohol, or perform a certain action, such as gamble. The desire is so powerful that it leads the person to neglect their own well-being and relationships.

    Addictions often take time to develop. For example, when a person regularly uses alcohol or drugs, the body begins to develop a tolerance. The person will need an increased amount of the substance to reach a pleasurable state. This begins a dangerous cycle. The individual will pursue higher doses, which results in damage to the body and brain. Drug or alcohol dependency can also have harmful effects on a person's relationships, as the addiction begins to negatively affect their behavior and decision-making.‎

    Learning about addiction can help you prepare for a career as an addiction therapist or substance abuse counselor. On this career path, you'll work with people suffering from addictions as they seek recovery. Your responsibilities will include helping them develop and implement a plan to break the addiction cycle and then tracking their progress. Other jobs, such as detox specialist and addiction psychologist, will also require a clear and in-depth understanding of addiction.‎

    A career in addiction counseling might be ideal for you if you have a patient, compassionate, empathic, and firm personality. For many people, the road to addiction recovery comes with setbacks. When working with patients, you'll need to talk them through the feelings of guilt and frustration that come with relapses. You'll need to stay optimistic and practical about the recovery process.‎

    Online courses can introduce you to common psychological theories and practices surrounding addiction and addiction recovery. You'll learn about common addictions, how they affect the brain, and how clinical skills can help you treat patients. Courses may include readings, lectures, and assessments that you can access via the internet and work through at your own pace.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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