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Microcredential
Addiction Science
Addiction Science
Microcredential - Addiction Science
DESCRIPTION
This Microcredential prepares students for entry level work in the field of addiction
and recovery. Students will understand psychoactive substance categories and their
effects as well as physical and psychological withdrawal and tolerance. They will
explore the multifaceted nature of addiction, the addiction-prone personality, and
addictions of multiple types. Students will develop an empathic approach to those
suffering from these disorders, analyze different treatment approaches, and discuss
barriers to accessing and succeeding in treatment programs.
Instruction Method
Online
Knowledge Acquired
See Learning Outcomes
Course Names and Codes
To earn this credential, the following courses must be successfully completed:
- PSYC 2303 Introduction to Substance Abuse
- PSYC 2703 Addiction and the Addict
Durable Skills Awarded
- Empathy
- Critical thinking
Pre-requisites
None
Credits Earned
6 academic credits
Shortest Time to Completion
4 months
Learning Outcomes
- Describe psychoactive substances by category (stimulants, depressants, opiates, opioids and sedative-hypnotics, psychedelics, hallucinogens, cannabinoids, etc.) and describe their actions on the brain and body
- Identify the mechanisms of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal as well as other physical and emotional effects of psychoactive substances
- Recognize substance use, abuse, dependence, and addiction according to DSM diagnostic requirements
- Identify the impacts and implications of substance use and abuse on the family system as well as family risk factors for substance abuse
- Recognize behavioral, verbal, and situational indicators of suicide risk and demonstrate an ability to incorporate them into suicide prevention strategies and assessments
- Identify and understand the states of recovery and relapse prevention
- Develop an understanding of addiction, its psychological and scientific causes, and the addiction-prone personality
- Identify self and societal stigmas towards those with addiction issues and how those biases impact the population
- Recognize and understand different types of behavioral addictions and how they can be fostered by our culture
- Recognize the advantages and disadvantages of current and alternative addiction approaches, theories of treatment, and treatment programs