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Stanford (SCHE): Psychology of Addiction and Recovery

Understand the science of addiction and discover psychological approaches to treatment and recovery.

Understand the science of addiction and discover psychological approaches to treatment and recovery.

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This course is offered by , an edX partner
6 weeks
5–6 hours per week
Starts Mar 12, 2025
Enroll by Mar 18, 2025
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule

Get more information

Want to know more? Enter your information to learn more about this course from GetSmarter (an edX partner).

Get more information

Want to know more? Enter your information to learn more about this course from GetSmarter (an edX partner).

6 weeks
5–6 hours per week
Starts Mar 12, 2025
Enroll by Mar 18, 2025
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule

About this Course

As a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a disease that affects both the brain and behavior. These discoveries have impacted and improved our understanding of compulsive drug use, enabling us to respond effectively to the problem with scientifically supported psychological interventions. Treatment, recovery, and prevention of addictive behavior are now a global strategy.

Guided by Dr. Anna Lembke, the medical director of Addiction Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine and leading activist in the opioid epidemic, the Psychology of Addiction and Recovery online short course from the Stanford Center for Health Education (SCHE), a part of Stanford Medicine, explores the complex relationship between doctors and patients, the science of addiction, and the barriers to successfully addressing drug addiction and dependence at a personal and systemic level.

Over the course of six weeks, you’ll evaluate how medications, approaches to psychotherapy, and peer support can enhance recovery, and how scientific evidence can be used to establish innovative addiction treatments. You’ll also explore the neurobiological factors underlying addiction, and how these impact intervention and recovery efforts today.

There’s been significant progress and expansion in the development of evidence-based psychosocial treatments for substance abuse and psychological dependence. This course, which is founded on new research, offers a platform to better understand substance and process addiction, and how these impact intervention and recovery. It’s designed for health and care professionals such as social workers, recovery coaches, and mental health counselors, all of whom will find interest in the practical insights into addiction and recovery. Additionally, physicians could benefit from exposure to biological, psychological, and social options for recovery management.

Course curriculum

Skip Course curriculum

Learn about scientifically supported psychological interventions and how they can be used to treat addiction as you work through the weekly modules of this online short course.

Orientation module: Welcome to your Online Campus

Module 1: The history of addiction

Module 2: The neurobiology of the addicted brain

Module 3: Screening and early intervention

Module 4: Biological approaches to recovery

Module 5: Psychological approaches to recovery

Module 6: Peer-based and policy approaches to recovery

About the certificate

Delve into the scientific principles of addiction and recovery, and earn an official certificate of completion from Stanford Center for Health Education

Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with your digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.

Your certificate will be issued in your legal name and sent to you digitally upon successful completion of the program, as per the stipulated requirements.

Some facts about the subject

35 million

The number of people who suffer from drug-use disorders and require treatment services globally.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (Jun, 2019).

40%

The percentage of people who need substance-use treatment, but don’t receive it or aren’t ready to stop using, while 33% can’t afford treatment.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Aug, 2019).

Why choose GetSmarter?

GetSmarter, an edX partner, delivers career-relevant, fully supported, and expert-led online courses from the world's leading universities and institutions. As an online learning expert with over 15 years' experience, GetSmarter leverages long-standing expertise in market research, data analysis, and business insights to ensure that you gain the skills critical to career growth.