The Addicted Brain

Emory University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/addiction-and-the-brain

Introduction

### Course Review: The Addicted Brain on Coursera **Course Overview** If you're interested in the intricate relationship between addiction, the brain, and society, "The Addicted Brain" offered on Coursera is a compelling course that delves deep into these critical subjects. Hosted by esteemed instructors, this course provides an in-depth exploration of addiction, ranging from its neurological underpinnings to the societal implications. The structured curriculum not only sheds light on the biological mechanisms of addiction but also discusses drug policies and societal impacts, making it a well-rounded offering for anyone keen on understanding this complex issue. **Syllabus Breakdown** The course is structured over seven weeks, each focusing on a different aspect of addiction: 1. **The Background & Overview of Drug Use**: This initial module sets the stage by defining drug abuse and exploring the various types of addictions. Here, learners are introduced to the psychological and behavioral patterns associated with addiction, making it a solid foundation for the upcoming weeks. 2. **Drugs & How the Brain Works**: Week two dives into the neuroscience of addiction, elucidating why certain substances are more addictive than others. The information presented is critical for grasping the biological responses induced by drugs on the brain, particularly the reward pathways. 3. **Classes of Drugs**: In this module, students explore various classes of drugs, detailing their unique effects on the body and mind. This comprehensive overview is essential for anyone wanting to understand the spectrum of addiction. 4. **Classes of Drugs with Animal Models**: Week four takes a more scientific approach by examining the role of animal models in understanding drug self-administration. This section is crucial as it highlights the implications of research in drug addiction studies. 5. **Neurotransmission & Brain Imaging**: The fifth week goes deeper into the neurobiological aspects, discussing how substances alter synaptic transmission and the implications of these changes. Insight into brain imaging techniques also adds sophistication to learners' comprehension of addiction at a neurological level. 6. **Vulnerability: Drug Use, Abuse, & Prevention**: Vulnerability factors related to addiction are explored in the sixth week, touching on individual risk factors and the efficacy of various treatment approaches. This discussion is relevant for those interested in harm reduction and prevention strategies. 7. **Treatment, Policy, & Decriminalization**: The penultimate week focuses on treatment modalities and the overarching government policies concerning drug use and decriminalization. This allows participants to understand the landscape of drug policy and its relation to societal attitudes toward addiction. 8. **Drugs & Society**: Finally, the course wraps up by addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic and the debates surrounding medical and recreational marijuana. This week presents a timely discussion on contemporary issues, equipping learners with the knowledge necessary to understand the societal dimensions of drug use. **Recommendation** "The Addicted Brain" comes highly recommended for several reasons: - **Comprehensive Coverage**: The course spans a wide array of topics, making it suitable for both those new to the subject and those looking to deepen their existing knowledge. - **Expert Instruction**: Taught by knowledgeable instructors, the course offers insights and perspectives that are well-researched and thought-provoking. - **Accessible Format**: Given its online nature, learners can engage with the material at their own pace, making it a flexible learning experience. - **Wider Implications**: The course not only focuses on the addiction itself but brings in larger discussions about public health, policy, and societal impacts, fostering an understanding of addiction as a multifaceted issue. In summary, whether you are a student, a healthcare professional, or simply someone interested in understanding the processes and challenges surrounding addiction, "The Addicted Brain" on Coursera is an excellent course to consider. It promises to enrich your understanding of one of society’s most pressing challenges while providing you with the tools to critically analyze addiction from multiple perspectives.

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.

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.

Overview

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.

Skills

Prevention Programs Addiction Treatment Brain Drug And Alcohol Abuse Treatment

Reviews

A great and informative course. Very clear and interesting! I would have appreciated a bit more if it discussed more tips to help prevent/deal-with drug abuse or addiction. Thank you for the course!

very informative and well constructed\n\nHowever, a bit biased towards negative effects of certain drugs without talking about their positive effects that are supported by research as well

Helped me understand why my left my family for a life of meth addiction. I am thankful that it has reduced my stress and anger ove3 what she has done. even a small amount of understanding

This course covered a lot of fascinating topics such as how drugs affect the brain, why people become addicts, and how we can treat addiction. A very rewarding and fun course!

Excellent easy to follow and well constructed course for an overview of addiction and the issues at play. Great resources and delivered in nice bite-sized chunks to digest.