Addiction occurs when someone has a compulsive desire to use a specific drug, such as alcohol, or perform a certain action, such as gamble. The desire is so powerful that it leads the person to neglect their own well-being and relationships. Addictions often take time to develop. For example, when a person regularly uses alcohol or drugs, the body begins to develop a tolerance. The person will need an increased amount of the substance to reach a pleasurable state. This begins a dangerous cycle. The individual will pursue higher doses, which results in damage to the body and brain. Drug or alcohol dependency can also have harmful effects on a person's relationships, as the addiction begins to negatively affect their behavior and decision-making.

What career opportunities can arise from learning about addiction?

Learning about addiction can help you prepare for a career as an addiction therapist or substance abuse counselor. On this career path, you'll work with people suffering from addictions as they seek recovery. Your responsibilities will include helping them develop and implement a plan to break the addiction cycle and then tracking their progress. Other jobs, such as detox specialist and addiction psychologist, will also require a clear and in-depth understanding of addiction.

What kind of people are best suited for roles in addiction counseling?

A career in addiction counseling might be ideal for you if you have a patient, compassionate, empathic, and firm personality. For many people, the road to addiction recovery comes with setbacks. When working with patients, you'll need to talk them through the feelings of guilt and frustration that come with relapses. You'll need to stay optimistic and practical about the recovery process.

How can online courses help me learn about addiction?

Online courses can introduce you to common psychological theories and practices surrounding addiction and addiction recovery. You'll learn about common addictions, how they affect the brain, and how clinical skills can help you treat patients. Courses may include readings, lectures, and assessments that you can access via the internet and work through at your own pace.

Top Addiction Courses - Learn Addiction Online

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SoFi

Managing Debt

Skills you'll gain: Mortgage Loans, Loans, Consumer Lending, Credit Risk, Financial Planning, Budget Management, Return On Investment, Cost Benefit Analysis, Goal Setting, Consolidation, Financial Analysis

Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

Medical Cannabis for Pain Control

Skills you'll gain: Psychiatry, Patient Safety, Contraindication, Pharmacology, Neurology, Medical Science and Research, Drug Interaction, Ancient History, Oncology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Chronic Diseases, Biology, World History, Biochemistry

University of Copenhagen

Chronically Ill in an Emergency: Why Mental Health Matters

Skills you'll gain: Public Health and Disease Prevention, Psychosocial Assessments, Public Health, Healthcare Ethics, Community Mental Health Services, Mental Health, Health Care, Health Policy, Chronic Diseases, Emergency Response

Status: Free Trial

Wesleyan University

Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader

Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Journals, Writing

Status: Free Trial

American Psychological Association

Less Stress, Better Health

Skills you'll gain: Stress Management, Resilience, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Psychology, Emotional Intelligence, Behavioral Health, Scientific Methods, Social Skills, Problem Solving, Biology, Cardiology

Status: Free Trial

Johns Hopkins University

Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs

Skills you'll gain: Behavioral Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, Cultural Sensitivity, Public Health, Health Policy, Sociology, Community Health, Social Sciences, Program Evaluation, Learning Theory

Alfaisal University | KLD

فن رواية قصة البيانات | The Art of Data Storytelling

Skills you'll gain: Data Presentation, Data Storytelling, Data Visualization, Storytelling, Data Visualization Software, Graphing, Data Literacy, Presentations, Business Reporting

Alfaisal University | KLD

إتقان فن الإيجاز في الحديث | Mastering The Art of Briefing

Skills you'll gain: Concision, Business Correspondence, Communication, Business Writing, Public Speaking, Verbal Communication Skills, Writing

Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Aprender a ser cuidador de personas con condiciones crónicas

Skills you'll gain: Caregiving, Care Management, Health Care, Patient Education and Support, Empathy, Health Assessment, Chronic Diseases, Stress Management, Emotional Intelligence, Adaptability, Critical Thinking

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

生命科学发展史

Skills you'll gain: Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Life Sciences, Human Development, Taxonomy, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Biology, Infectious Diseases, Pathology, Anthropology, Neurology, European History, Pharmacology, Ancient History, World History, Chemistry, Scientific Methods

Status: Free Trial

University of Minnesota

Social Determinants of Health: Health Care Systems

Skills you'll gain: Health Equity, Health Disparities, Health Systems, Public Health, Healthcare Ethics, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Health Policy, Data Analysis, Community Health, Data Ethics, Correlation Analysis, Patient Education and Support, Heat Maps, Mental and Behavioral Health, Trauma Care, Mental Health, Socioeconomics

University of Michigan

AIDS: Fear and Hope

Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Health Disparities, Preventative Care, Public Health, Patient Education And Counseling, Medical Science and Research, Health Policy, Social Sciences, Microbiology, Cultural Diversity

Addiction Courses Online

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