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.
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The Addicted Brain
![Michael Kuhar, Ph.D.](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://coursera-instructor-photos.s3.amazonaws.com/99/35da0e7b644304bd61da3bcf43bd58/Screen-Shot-2021-02-02-at-12.35.20-PM.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=75&h=75&fit=crop)
Instructor: Michael Kuhar, Ph.D.
Sponsored by Coursera Learning Team
181,999 already enrolled
(2,217 reviews)
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8 assignments
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There are 8 modules in this course
In this first week, we'll explore drug abuse, types of addictions, and the behaviors associated with them.
What's included
6 videos5 readings1 assignment
In this second week, we'll get a glimpse at why certain drugs are addicting and how they affect different regions of the brain.
What's included
6 videos3 readings1 assignment
In this third week, we'll take a deep dive into the different types of drugs and their individual effects.
What's included
7 videos4 readings1 assignment
In this fourth week, we'll take a look at the drug self-administration model in animals and the implications of these results.
What's included
8 videos3 readings1 assignment
In this fifth week, we'll consider synaptic transmission and how drugs alter it.
What's included
7 videos4 readings1 assignment
In this sixth week, we'll have the chance to consider the concept of vulnerability and the value and effectiveness of treatment.
What's included
8 videos3 readings1 assignment
In this seventh week, we'll explore drug treatment and government drug policies that exist.
What's included
6 videos3 readings1 assignment
In this final week, we'll explore the recent opioid epidemic as well as the topic of medical and recreational marijuana.
What's included
6 videos5 readings1 assignment
Instructor
![Michael Kuhar, Ph.D.](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://coursera-instructor-photos.s3.amazonaws.com/99/35da0e7b644304bd61da3bcf43bd58/Screen-Shot-2021-02-02-at-12.35.20-PM.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=75&h=75&fit=crop)
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Learner reviews
2,217 reviews
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- 4 stars
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Reviewed on Nov 27, 2020
very informative and well constructedHowever, a bit biased towards negative effects of certain drugs without talking about their positive effects that are supported by research as well
Reviewed on Aug 19, 2015
This is a useful basic refresher course for anyone who works or volunteers in the substance abuse field. I wanted to know the latest brain research and get an update on the various drug categories.
Reviewed on Apr 20, 2023
I found the course very informative . The lectures were very descriptive The subject was broken down To make the context more informative and Understandable. Thank
Recommended if you're interested in Health
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