Stanford (SCHE): Psychology of Addiction and Recovery

About Stanford (SCHE): Psychology of Addiction and Recovery

About this CourseAs a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a disease that affects both the brain and behavior. These discoveries have impacted and improved our understanding of compulsive drug use, enabling us to respond effectively to the problem with scientifically supported psychological interventions. Treatment, recovery, and prevention of addictive behavior are now a global strategy. Guided by Dr. Anna Lembke, the medical director of Addiction Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine and leading activist in the opioid epidemic, the Psychology of Addiction and Recovery online short course from the Stanford Center for Health Education (SCHE), a part of Stanford Medicine, explores the complex relationship between doctors and patients, the science of addiction, and the barriers to successfully addressing drug addiction and dependence at a personal and systemic level. Over the course of six weeks, you’ll evaluate how medications, approaches to psychotherapy, and peer support can enhance recovery, and how scientific evidence can be used to establish innovative addiction treatments. You’ll also explore the neurobiological factors underlying addiction, and how these impact intervention and recovery efforts today. There’s been significant progress and expansion in the development of evidence-based psychosocial treatments for substance abuse and psychological dependence. This course, which is founded on new research, offers a platform to better understand substance and process addiction, and how these impact intervention and recovery. It’s designed for health and care professionals such as social workers, recovery coaches, and mental health counselors, all of whom will find interest in the practical insights into addiction and recovery. Additionally, physicians could benefit from exposure to biological, psychological, and social options for recovery management.