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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: Free
      Free
      Y

      Yale University

      Addiction Treatment: Clinical Skills for Healthcare Providers

      Skills you'll gain: Health Disparities, Motivational Interviewing, Medication Therapy Management, Mental and Behavioral Health, Patient Education And Counseling, Patient Evaluation, Psychiatry, Patient Treatment, Psychotherapy, Treatment Planning, Chronic Diseases, Pharmacology, Health Policy, Care Management, Risk Analysis

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

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • A

      American Psychological Association

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

      Skills you'll gain: Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Clinical Psychology, Mental and Behavioral Health, Mental Health Therapies, Psychiatry, Psychological Evaluations, Mental Health, Psychotherapy, Behavioral Health, Cultural Diversity, Epidemiology, Psychiatric And Mental Health Nursing, Pharmacology, Neurology, Demography, Psychology, Pharmacotherapy

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      151 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • E

      Emory University

      The Addicted Brain

      Skills you'll gain: Pharmacology, Mental and Behavioral Health, Human Learning, Neurology, Behavioral Health, Socioeconomics, Vulnerability, Health Policy, Laboratory Research, Public Health

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

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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    • A

      American Psychological Association

      Disorders Due to Substance Use and Addictive Behaviors

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

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      43 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Toronto

      Introduction to Psychology

      Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Human Learning, Human Development, Psychotherapy, Behavior Management, Social Sciences, Scientific Methods, Creativity, Experimentation, Cultural Diversity, Research, Ethical Standards And Conduct

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

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • W

      Wesleyan University

      Abnormal Psychology

      Skills you'll gain: Motivational Interviewing, Psychological Evaluations, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Mental Health Therapies, Behavioral Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Clinical Psychology, Behavior Management, Mental Health, Cultural Diversity, Psychology, Experimentation, Interpersonal Communications, Stress Management, Learning Theory, Goal Setting, Health Disparities, Healthcare Ethics

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      650 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • W

      Wesleyan University

      Creating Behavioral Change

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

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      166 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      Y

      Yale University

      Health Behavior Change: From Evidence to Action

      Skills you'll gain: Public Health and Disease Prevention, Nutrition and Diet, Public Health, Behavioral Health, Mental Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, Behavioral Economics, Patient Education And Counseling, Program Evaluation, Preventative Care

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      446 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      T

      The University of Chicago

      Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life

      Skills you'll gain: Neurology, Psychology, Kinesiology, Anatomy, Behavioral Health, Human Learning, Human Development, Blood Pressure, Mental and Behavioral Health, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Respiration, Vital Signs, Biology, Speech Language Pathology

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.1K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Geneva

      Drugs, drug use, drug policy and health

      Skills you'll gain: Pharmaceuticals, Social Justice, Epidemiology, Health Care, Pharmacology, Public Health, Health Policy, Mental and Behavioral Health, Healthcare Ethics, Public Policies, Policy Analysis, Social Sciences, Community Health, Legal Risk, Advocacy, International Relations, Policy Development

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      267 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Toronto

      Mind Control: Managing Your Mental Health During COVID-19

      Skills you'll gain: Stress Management, Mental Health, Resilience, Crisis Intervention, Mindfulness, Preventative Care, Empathy, Psychology, Mental and Behavioral Health, Social Skills

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      8.6K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Geneva

      A life with ADHD

      Skills you'll gain: Stress Management, Occupational Therapy, Psychiatry, Mental and Behavioral Health, Family Therapy, Organizational Skills, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Behavior Management, Cognitive flexibility, Psychotherapy, Psychological Evaluations, Treatment Planning, Pharmacology, Medication Therapy Management

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      57 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
    • Psychology of Anxiety, Mood, Substance Use, and Addictive Behaviors: American Psychological Association
    • The Addicted Brain: Emory University
    • Disorders Due to Substance Use and Addictive Behaviors: American Psychological Association
    • Introduction to Psychology: University of Toronto
    • Abnormal Psychology: Wesleyan University
    • Creating Behavioral Change: Wesleyan University
    • Health Behavior Change: From Evidence to Action: Yale University
    • Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life: The University of Chicago
    • Drugs, drug use, drug policy and health : 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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