9/15/2026
Addiction represents a significant challenge in contemporary society. The opioid crisis, marked by increasing overdose fatalities, has contributed to the rise of heroin and fentanyl use, intensifying the substance abuse epidemic. Behavioral addictions have not received as much scholarly attention or research as substance addictions. While behavioral addictions typically do not result in mortality as frequently as drug addiction, there is growing concern regarding their impact, particularly technology-related behaviors. This course will examine both types of addiction, explore their similarities, and discuss ongoing debates around the classification of behavioral addictions.