Course Overview: Addiction Psychology

Addiction is a complex psychological condition influenced by biological, emotional, social, and environmental factors. This short online course introduces learners to the core psychological theories and processes underlying addictive behaviors, including substance-related and behavioral addictions.

Learners will explore how addiction develops and is maintained, the role of reward, habit formation, learning, and emotional regulation, and the impact of trauma, stress, and social context. The course also addresses stigma, ethical considerations, and evidence-based approaches to prevention and recovery. Emphasis is placed on understanding addiction as a health condition rather than a moral failing, fostering empathy and informed responses in personal and professional contexts.

This course is designed for beginners and requires no prior background in psychology. It is delivered in a flexible, self-paced online format.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

Define addiction and explain key psychological models of addictive behavior.

Differentiate between substance-related and behavioral addictions, including similarities and differences.

Describe the role of the brain’s reward system in the development and maintenance of addiction.

Explain psychological risk and protective factors, such as stress, trauma, social influence, and resilience.

Identify common signs and stages of addiction across different contexts.

Recognize the impact of stigma and bias on individuals experiencing addiction and on help-seeking behavior.

Outline evidence-based psychological approaches to prevention, intervention, and recovery.

Apply ethical and compassionate perspectives when discussing or responding to addictive behaviors.