Learn about addiction science and treatment methods. Understand the psychological and physiological aspects of substance abuse.
The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Health Disparities, Motivational Interviewing, Substance Abuse, Patient-centered Care, Medication Therapy Management, Mental and Behavioral Health, Social Determinants Of Health, Patient Education And Counseling, Psychiatry, Pharmacotherapy, Psychotherapy, Treatment Planning, Health Policy, Care Coordination, Clinical Assessment
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Substance Abuse, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Clinical Psychology, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Psychological Evaluations, Mental Health, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Patient Evaluation, Diagnostic Tests, Behavioral Health, Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Assessments, Cultural Diversity, Epidemiology, Pharmacology, Neurology, Demography, Psychology, Pharmacotherapy
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Emory University
Skills you'll gain: Pharmacology, Substance Abuse, Mental and Behavioral Health, Social Studies, Neurology, Behavioral Health, Vulnerability, Health Policy, Public Health, Case Studies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Substance Abuse, Mental and Behavioral Health, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Psychiatry, Diagnostic Tests, Behavioral Health, Epidemiology, Pharmacology, Neurology, Demography, Psychology, Cultural Diversity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Wesleyan University
Skills you'll gain: Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mental Health Therapies, Behavioral Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychotherapy, Psychology, Experimentation, Health Education, Goal Setting
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Wesleyan University
Skills you'll gain: Motivational Interviewing, Psychological Evaluations, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Mental Health Therapies, Behavioral Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, Cultural Diversity, Psychiatric Assessments, Psychology, Experimentation, Health Education, Interpersonal Communications, Culture, Clinical Assessment, Goal Setting
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Pre-Clinical Development, Drug Interaction, Clinical Trials, Pharmacology, Drug Development, Pharmaceuticals, Patient Safety, Clinical Research, Competitive Intelligence, Safety Standards, Laboratory Testing, Biochemical Assays, Medication Administration, Pharmacotherapy, Pharmaceutical Terminology, Safety Assurance, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Laboratory Research, Chemistry
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Trauma Care, Mental Health, Psychiatric Assessments, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Mental and Behavioral Health, Stress Management, Cultural Sensitivity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Growth Mindedness, Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, Goal Setting, Persistence, Self-Motivation, Personal Development, Smart Goals, Self-Awareness, Overcoming Obstacles, Productivity, Positivity, Lifelong Learning, Culture, Cultural Diversity, Adaptability, Creativity, Intercultural Competence, Diversity Awareness, Liberal Arts
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Pain Management, Public Health, Health Policy, Substance Abuse, Research, Hospice, Epidemiology, Chronic Diseases, Oncology, Pharmacology, Mental Health, Nutrition and Diet
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Toronto
Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Mental Health Therapies, Human Development, Mental Health, Social Sciences, Scientific Methods, Neurology, Experimentation, Cultural Diversity
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

The University of Chicago
Skills you'll gain: Neurology, Physiology, Anatomy, Behavioral Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Vital Signs, Control Systems, Coordination, Biology, Communication Systems
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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.‎