Understanding Addiction

The purpose of this course is to acquaint you with the chief disorders associated with the ten classes of substance-related and addictive drugs in the DSM-5 chapter of the same name. In addition, the diagnostic criteria are provided for gambling disorder, the only non-substance related addictive disorder specified in the DSM. The course also examines the characteristics and aetiology of addiction and includes an introduction to selected treatment models. You will be given a conceptual overview of the primary types of substance-related and addictive disorders and the diagnostic components that identify them. You will gain an understanding of the biological, social, and psychological factors underlying addictions and problem gambling. You will also be able to examine common interventions used in three therapeutic approaches to addictions treatment.