Facing Addiction in America the Neurobiology of Substance Use, Misuse and Addiction

Course overview

Course Description: This course is based upon The Surgeon General’s Report on addiction in America. This Report takes a comprehensive look at the problem; covering topics including misuse of alcohol, prescription drugs, and other substances, and bringing together the best available science on the adverse health consequences of substance misuse. It also summarizes what we know about what works in prevention, treatment, and recovery. This course is based on chapter 2 of the report and covers current research on the neurobiology of substance use, misuse and addiction. The primary brain regions involved in substance use disorders are reviewed. The binge/intoxication stage which involves the basal ganglia and the withdrawal/negative affect stage, which involves the extended amygdala are both review. Factors that increase risk and factors that contribute to population based differences are also discussed. This course on addiction and neurobiology is designed for social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, nurses, and substance abuse counselors, who do clinical work. This course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop their understanding of addiction in America. The course material includes a literature review . It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require clinical continuing education courses for license renewal. The course is based on the Surgeon General’s Report which includes research. It contains data and a literature that some clinicians enjoy reading and others do not. A major benefit of reading research based articles for continuing education is that they provide practitioners with the latest findings in their field. Authors: Surgeon General Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding addiction and neurobiology. Specifically, a professional will: •Describe biological factures contributing to population-based differences in substance misuse and substance use disorders. •Identify primary brain regions involved in substance use disorders. •Recognize factors that increase risk for substance use, misuse and addiction. Citation: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Surgeon General, Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health. Chapter 2. Washington, DC: HHS, November 2016.