Addiction & the Brain
In this class, clients learn about the science of addiction, including how it operates in two important brain regions: the midbrain and the frontal cortex. Evidence is presented for the claim that addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease, rather than strictly a behavioral choice. In addition, clients gain a better understanding of the central nervous system, the brain's reward pathway, key neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate, the essential role of cravings, the "Periodic Table of the Intoxicants," alcohol withdrawal (e.g., the D.T.s), and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) options.
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Co-Occurring Disorders
In this class, clients learn about the symptoms, causes, associated features, and treatment options regarding the types of mental illness that are most commonly associated with addiction. Specifically, clients gain a better understanding of the mood disorders (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder); anxiety and related disorders (e.g., Panic Disorder, OCD); and trauma-related disorders (e.g., PTSD), as well as the various DSM-5-delineated substance use disorders. Clients emerge from this group with greater insight into the relationship between their addiction and any underlying mental illness(es).