Module 1: Course Introduction
with Eugene Boss, MD
Learning Objectives
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After participating in this course, participants should be able to:
- Complete self measurement of knowledge before taking Neurobiology of Addiction online course
- Describe and discuss the five “Cs” of addiction
- Relate the five C’s to patients experiencing homelessness
- Describe and discuss the process of the reward circuits
- Describe and discuss the impact of drugs of abuse/misuse on human neurology
- Describe and discuss factors affecting addiction potential
- Describe and discuss effects of specific pharmacological and behavioral interventions for addicted patients
- Relate factors affecting addiction potential and effects of interventions to patients experiencing homelessness
- Complete self-measurement of knowledge after completing the Neurobiology of Addiction online course
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Course SyllabusCourse Pre-Test
Module 2: Why are some chemicals addicting while others are not?
Learning Objectives
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In this module, we will define addiction and discuss in detail the five C’s of addiction, the difference of physical dependence and addiction, and define pseudo-addictions and pseudo-dependence. We will review the basics of neurology, reward circuits, the reward center, and in giving examples of animal models of addiction, we will define drug -seeking and -craving behaviors and their causes.
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Play Presentation 1
Additional Resource
Module 3: How do addictive drugs cause the release of dopamine in the reward center?
Learning Objectives
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In this module, we will answer how addictive drugs cause the release of dopamine in the reward center specifically through the use of alcohol, benzodiazepines, phenobarbital, opiates, endocannabinoids, cannabis, stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines, and/or nicotine. We will also review how these effects cause withdrawal symptoms
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Play Presentation 2
Additional Resources
Module 4: Why isn’t everyone who tries drugs addicted?
Learning Objectives
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In this module, we will review the factors of the agent, host, and environment that affect addiction potential. Why don’t people just stop using drugs? There are positive and negative reinforcing events, protracted abstinence syndrome, and the biggest problem of relapse prevention, which will all be examined. Detox is easy; relapse prevention is hard. It is acknowledged that cognitive behavioral therapies are more effective treatment over pharmacotherapy in relapse prevention, but we will also assess the current most popular medications that enhance relapse prevention for alcohol, opiates, nicotine, cocaine, and amphetamines.
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Play Presentation 3
Additional Resources
Module 5: Course Conclusion
In this module, you will take a post-test to measure your change in knowledge after completing the course. This module will take about 20 minutes to complete.