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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, 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

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    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: 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

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    247 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    E

    Emory University

    The Addicted Brain

    Skills you'll gain: Pharmacology, Substance Abuse, Mental and Behavioral Health, Social Studies, Neurology, Behavioral Health, Vulnerability, Health Policy, Public Health, Case Studies

    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

    Disorders Due to Substance Use and Addictive Behaviors

    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

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    63 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    N

    Novartis

    Drug Hunting: The Science of Making New Medicines

    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

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    236 reviews

    Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    W

    Wesleyan University

    Abnormal Psychology

    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

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    700 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado System

    Personal Journeys: Identity, Motivation, and Resilience

    Skills you'll gain: Growth Mindedness, Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, Goal Setting, Persistence, Self-Motivation, Personal Development, Smart Goals, Self-Awareness, Overcoming Obstacles, Productivity, Positivity, Culture, Lifelong Learning, Cultural Diversity, Adaptability, Creativity, Intercultural Competence, Diversity Awareness, Liberal Arts

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    6 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    W

    Wesleyan University

    Creating Behavioral Change

    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

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    183 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    T

    The University of Chicago

    Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life

    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

    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: Substance Abuse, Social Justice, Health Care, Pharmacology, Public Health, Health Policy, Healthcare Ethics, Public Policies, Policy Analysis, Community Health, Legal Risk, Advocacy, International Relations, Policy Development

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    270 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Stanford University

    Rebuilding Our Relationship with Food

    Skills you'll gain: Cultural Diversity, Compassion, Food and Beverage, Nutrition and Diet, Mindfulness, Behavioral Health, Self-Awareness, Empowerment, Decision Making

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    351 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Geneva

    A life with ADHD

    Skills you'll gain: Family Support, School Psychology, Behavioral Management, Occupational Therapy, Organizational Skills, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Psychiatric Assessments, Mental Health Therapies, Pharmacology, Clinical Assessment

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    76 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
  • Drug Hunting: The Science of Making New Medicines: Novartis
  • Abnormal Psychology: Wesleyan University
  • Personal Journeys: Identity, Motivation, and Resilience: University of Colorado System
  • Creating Behavioral Change: Wesleyan 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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