Drugs, The Brain, and Behavior: 2018 Update

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How to Take This Course:

• 1 View Course Worksheet -  View the course worksheet or print it out to review later
• 2 Read the Course Material -  As you read through, mark your answers on the course worksheet to be prepared for the exam
• 3 Take Exam -  You must achieve a score of 75% or higher in order to earn credit for the course.
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CE Course Description

Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences, and it is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits that may last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs. This brief, intermediate level continuing education course was developed using information from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to provide an updated overview of drug abuse and addiction. Reasons why individuals use and abuse drugs are presented as well as the impact of drugs on the brain, drug prevention and treatment strategies, and health and personal consequences of drug abuse. The ways in drug abuse impacts adolescents is also discussed, as this is a particularly vulnerable age for substance experimentation and abuse.

Author: National Institute on Drug Abuse

CE Course Objectives

1. Identify the harmful consequences of drug abuse and addiction for people of all ages.
2. Describe the functional changes that occur in the brain as the result of drug use.
3. Discuss specific vulnerabilities that adolescents face in regards to substance use and its effects.
4. Evaluate how drugs can alter important brain areas that are necessary for life-sustaining functions and can drive the compulsive drug abuse that marks addiction.
5. Outline strategies to treat drug addiction and to promote recovery, including medication use and behavioral health interventions.

CE Course Outline

Introduction (5 mins)

1. Overview of the course objectives and structure.

Drug Misuse and Addiction (10 mins)

1. Definition and scope of drug misuse and addiction.
2. Factors contributing to substance misuse.

Preventing Drug Misuse and Addiction: The Best Strategy (5 mins)

1. Key prevention strategies for individuals and communities.

Drugs and the Brain (10 mins)

1. How drugs affect brain function and structure.
2. The role of the reward system in addiction.

Addiction and Health (5 mins)

1. The impact of addiction on physical and mental health.
2. Co-occurring disorders and chronic conditions.

Treatment and Recovery (10 mins)

1. Evidence-based treatment options for addiction.
2. Long-term recovery approaches and support systems.

Advancing Addiction Science and Practical Solutions (10 mins)

1. Latest research findings in addiction science.
2. Innovative solutions for combating drug misuse.

Conclusion (5 mins)

1. Recap of the key topics and actionable takeaways.

Total Time: 60 minutes (1 hour)
Course Level: Introductory

Course Date: 2019-07-01

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