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Michael Kuhar, Ph.D.
This is a course about addiction to drugs and other behaviors. It will describe what happens in the brain and how this information helps us deal with and overcome addiction. It will also discuss other topics, such as government policy and our vulnerability to take drugs.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/l8oc8o/the
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What's inside
Syllabus
The Background & Overview of Drug Use
In this first week, we'll explore drug abuse, types of addictions, and the behaviors associated with them.
Read more
Syllabus
The Background & Overview of Drug Use
In this first week, we'll explore drug abuse, types of addictions, and the behaviors associated with them.
Read more
Drugs & How the Brain Works
In this second week, we'll get a glimpse at why certain drugs are addicting and how they affect different regions of the brain.
Classes of Drugs
In this third week, we'll take a deep dive into the different types of drugs and their individual effects.
Classes of Drugs with Animal Models
In this fourth week, we'll take a look at the drug self-administration model in animals and the implications of these results.
Neurotransmission & Brain Imaging
In this fifth week, we'll consider synaptic transmission and how drugs alter it.
Vulnerability: Drug Use, Abuse, & Prevention
In this sixth week, we'll have the chance to consider the concept of vulnerability and the value and effectiveness of treatment.
Treatment, Policy, & Decriminalization
In this seventh week, we'll explore drug treatment and government drug policies that exist.
Drugs & Society
In this final week, we'll explore the recent opioid epidemic as well as the topic of medical and recreational marijuana.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Takes a scientific approach to a field that is typically understood by personal anecdotes and social critiques
Provides a blend of theory and practice, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced learners
Covers a wide range of topics related to addiction, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject
Taught by an experienced instructor who is a recognized expert in the field of addiction
Explores the latest research on addiction, providing learners with up-to-date information
Requires learners to have a basic understanding of biology and neuroscience
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Save The Addicted Brain to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Addictive and unbiased lectures on drugs
Learners say that this course is a must-take if you are seeking an unbiased and scientific understanding of drugs and their impact on the brain. It is highly recommended for anyone, whether you are a non-expert or a parent of an addicted person. The course is well-organized and engaging, with informative lectures that are easy to understand. The instructor is knowledgeable, passionate, and empathetic, and his non-judgmental approach fosters a positive learning environment.
Instructor shows empathy and understanding for learners.
"The instructor carefully explains many things about drug-taking that would otherwise be difficult for a learner to understand."
"His attitude is non-judgmental, and empathetic."
Offers valuable scientific insights into drug addiction.
"Excellent insight into the world of drug addiction, Dr Kuher's presentation is engaging, lucid and sympathetic."
"The course includes latest advances into the science of drug addiction."
Provides clear and non-technical explanations about drug effects.
"The course explains very clearly, for non-experts, how drugs work in the brain."
"His attitude is non-judgmental, and empathetic."
"I especially recommend this course to anyone who is a parent of an addicted person, and who wants to help and support that person in an informed manner."
Instructor's delivery and presentation could be improved.
"I found the professor dronish and as unsatisfying as the material."
Course covers basic information about drugs and their effects.
"I found this course poorly structured and very superficial."
"It doesn't go into detail about effects of substances and their mechanisms, but rather briefly mentions them."
"I was hoping for state-of-the-art science/data, rather than what appeared to be simply a rehash of the classes of drugs followed by their basic chemical reactions in the brain."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in The Addicted Brain with these
activities:
Follow a tutorial on using a statistical software package for data analysis
Show steps
Following a tutorial on using a statistical software package for data analysis will help you develop the skills necessary to analyze data and draw conclusions from your research.
Browse courses on
Data Analysis
Show steps
-
Identify a statistical software package that you would like to learn.
-
Find a tutorial for that software package.
-
Follow the tutorial.
Course Materials Compilation
Show steps
Compiling and organizing course materials helps students stay organized and access information efficiently.
Show steps
-
Gather all course materials (e.g., lecture notes, slides, assignments, quizzes).
-
Create a system for organizing the materials (e.g., folders, notebooks).
-
Review the materials periodically to reinforce learning.
Online Discussion Forum Participation
Show steps
Engaging in discussions with peers allows students to share their perspectives, clarify concepts, and gain diverse insights.
Show steps
-
Join the online discussion forum.
-
Read through existing discussions and posts.
-
Participate in discussions by posting thoughtful comments and questions.
-
Respond to other students' posts and engage in meaningful exchanges.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Guest Lecture on Addiction Recovery
Show steps
Attending a workshop with an expert in addiction recovery can provide students with valuable insights and practical strategies for supporting individuals struggling with addiction.
Show steps
-
Identify and register for a relevant workshop.
-
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions.
-
Take notes and ask questions to enhance your understanding.
-
Reflect on the workshop content and apply it to your learning.
Follow a tutorial on using a statistical software package for data analysis
Show steps
Following a tutorial on using a statistical software package for data analysis will help you develop the skills necessary to analyze data and draw conclusions from your research.
Browse courses on
Data Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a statistical software package that you would like to learn.
- Find a tutorial for that software package.
- Follow the tutorial.
Course Materials Compilation
Show steps
Compiling and organizing course materials helps students stay organized and access information efficiently.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all course materials (e.g., lecture notes, slides, assignments, quizzes).
- Create a system for organizing the materials (e.g., folders, notebooks).
- Review the materials periodically to reinforce learning.
Online Discussion Forum Participation
Show steps
Engaging in discussions with peers allows students to share their perspectives, clarify concepts, and gain diverse insights.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join the online discussion forum.
- Read through existing discussions and posts.
- Participate in discussions by posting thoughtful comments and questions.
- Respond to other students' posts and engage in meaningful exchanges.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Guest Lecture on Addiction Recovery
Show steps
Attending a workshop with an expert in addiction recovery can provide students with valuable insights and practical strategies for supporting individuals struggling with addiction.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and register for a relevant workshop.
- Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions.
- Take notes and ask questions to enhance your understanding.
- Reflect on the workshop content and apply it to your learning.
Career center
Learners who complete The Addicted Brain will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance Abuse Counselors work with people who are struggling with addiction. They provide support and counseling to help people overcome their addiction. The course "The Addicted Brain" could be useful for Substance Abuse Counselors by teaching them about the neurobiology of addiction. This knowledge could help them understand the challenges that people with addiction face, and it could help them develop more effective treatment plans.
Addiction Counselor
Addiction Counselor
Addiction Counselors work with people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. The course "The Addicted Brain" could help an Addiction Counselor by teaching them about the neurobiology of addiction. This knowledge could assist counselors in developing more effective treatment plans for their clients. The course could also help counselors understand the challenges that people with addiction face and develop more empathy for their clients.
Neurologist
Neurologist
Neurologists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. This includes disorders that affect the brain, such as addiction. The course "The Addicted Brain" could be useful for Neurologists by teaching them about the neurobiology of addiction. This knowledge could help them develop more effective treatment plans for their patients.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practice. The course "The Addicted Brain" could be useful for Psychiatrists by teaching them about the neurobiology of addiction. This knowledge could help them develop more effective treatment plans for their patients.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and retail pharmacies. The course "The Addicted Brain" could be useful for Pharmacists by teaching them about the neurobiology of addiction. This knowledge could help them understand the effects of different drugs on the brain, and it could help them counsel patients about the risks of addiction.
Toxicologist
Toxicologist
Toxicologists study the effects of toxic substances on the body. They work in a variety of settings, such as research laboratories, government agencies, and private industry. The course "The Addicted Brain" could be useful for Toxicologists by teaching them about the neurobiology of addiction. This knowledge could help them understand the effects of different drugs on the brain, and it could help them develop more effective strategies for preventing and treating addiction.
Behavioral Health Technician
Behavioral Health Technician
Behavioral Health Technicians assist people struggling with mental health issues and addiction. They provide support to individuals in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and group homes. The course "The Addicted Brain" could be useful for Behavioral Health Technicians by teaching them about the neurobiology of addiction. This knowledge could help them understand the challenges that people with addiction face, and it could help them provide more effective support.
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Counselors provide therapy and support to people struggling with mental health issues. They work with people in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practice. The course "The Addicted Brain" could be useful for Mental Health Counselors by teaching them about the neurobiology of addiction. This knowledge could help them understand the challenges that people with addiction face, and it could help them develop more effective treatment plans.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers provide support and counseling to people in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and community centers. The course "The Addicted Brain" could be useful for Social Workers by teaching them about the neurobiology of addiction. This knowledge could help them understand the challenges that people with addiction face, and it could help them develop more effective strategies for supporting them.
Public Health Official
Public Health Official
Public Health Officials work to protect and improve the health of the public. They work in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community health centers. The course "The Addicted Brain" could be useful for Public Health Officials by teaching them about the neurobiology of addiction. This knowledge could help them understand the challenges that people with addiction face, and it could help them develop more effective strategies for preventing and treating addiction.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants provide healthcare services under the supervision of a physician. They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practice. The course "The Addicted Brain" could be useful for Physician Assistants by teaching them about the neurobiology of addiction. This knowledge could help them understand the challenges that people with addiction face, and it could help them develop more effective treatment plans.
Case Manager
Case Manager
Case Managers help people access social services and healthcare. They work with people who have a variety of needs, including those struggling with addiction. The course "The Addicted Brain" could be useful for Case Managers by teaching them about the neurobiology of addiction. This knowledge could help them understand the challenges that people with addiction face, and it could help them develop more effective strategies for supporting them.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and home health agencies. They work under the supervision of a physician or other healthcare professional. The course "The Addicted Brain" could be useful for Registered Nurses by teaching them about the neurobiology of addiction. This knowledge could help them understand the challenges that people with addiction face, and it could help them provide more effective care.
Drug Policy Analyst
Drug Policy Analyst
Drug Policy Analysts study the effects of drug policies on society. They work in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy groups. The course "The Addicted Brain" could be useful for Drug Policy Analysts by teaching them about the neurobiology of addiction. This knowledge could help them understand the complex issues surrounding drug use and addiction, and it could help them develop more effective policies.
School Counselor
School Counselor
School Counselors provide support and counseling to students in a variety of settings, such as elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. The course "The Addicted Brain" could be useful for School Counselors by teaching them about the neurobiology of addiction. This knowledge could help them understand the challenges that students with addiction face, and it could help them develop more effective strategies for supporting them.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/l8oc8o/the
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
The Addicted Brain.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the neurobiology of addiction, covering topics such as the role of neurotransmitters, brain regions, and genetic factors in the development and maintenance of addiction.
Explores the complex relationship between choice and biology in addiction, arguing that addiction disease that is influenced by both factors.
Save
Provides practical strategies for overcoming addiction, based on the latest research on the neurobiology of addiction.
Provides a compassionate and personal account of addiction, based on the author's own experiences as a doctor and addiction specialist.
Explores the role of dopamine in addiction and offers strategies for reducing dopamine-driven behaviors.
Save
Provides a neuroscientific perspective on moral decision-making, which is relevant to understanding the ethical implications of addiction.
Save
Provides insights into the formation and breaking of habits, which is relevant to understanding the development and maintenance of addiction.
Save
Provides insights into the two systems of thinking, which is relevant to understanding the cognitive processes involved in addiction.
Provides practical strategies for developing self-control, which is relevant to understanding the challenges of overcoming addiction.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/l8oc8o/the
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Effort
3-4 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Emory University
Instructor
Michael Kuhar, Ph.D.
Language
English
Transcripts
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آذربایجان دیلی
Good to know
Takes a scientific approach to a field that is typically understood by personal anecdotes and social critiques
Provides a blend of theory and practice, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced learners
Covers a wide range of topics related to addiction, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject
Taught by an experienced instructor who is a recognized expert in the field of addiction
Explores the latest research on addiction, providing learners with up-to-date information
Requires learners to have a basic understanding of biology and neuroscience
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