Drugs, Brains, and Behavior - The Science of Addiction (DA2028)

Course Format

This course is online. All course material is available online and is accessible immediately after purchase from your account homepage. Certificate of Completion is available immediately upon passing the exam.

Course Overview

This course is the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)’s Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. The NIDA’s guide provides the most current understanding of the medical disorder that we know as substance use disorder and it’s impact on the brain. There are many biological and environmental risk factors that are associated with the development and progression of the disorder, and scientists are beginning to search for the genetic variations that are also involved. By researching these things, scientists hope to better understand diagnosis and treatment that best suits the addicted person and hopefully, present recovery options. Best practice for treatment and recovery programs are presented with a long list of resources available for the healthcare professional.

Course Objectives

1. State the risk factors as well as the protective factors regarding addiction.


2. Describe the chemical reactions associated with a normal brain and how they differ in the brain of someone who is addicted.


3. List the strategies needed in a recovery program.


4. Describe what principles are involved in the treatment of the disease.


5. List what resources are available from NIDA for healthcare professionals as well as the general public.

Course Outline

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