Fundamentals of Opiate Addiction

This 10-week course provides graduate-level students with an advanced exploration of opiate addiction. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the many aspects related to opiate addiction while learning about best practices, issues, and research in the behavioral science field.

Topics Covered:

• Historical Origins and Development of Current Opiate Addiction Epidemic
• Physiology of Opiate Addiction
• Assessment
• Treatment
• Case Conceptualization
• Prevention
• Cultural Considerations & the Needs of Specific Populations
• Legal/Ethical/Professional Issues
• Future trends

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the historical origins and development of the current opiate addiction epidemic, including sociocultural factors effecting use and progression.
• Demonstrate case conceptualization ability based on an understanding of the physical and psychological foundations that often accompany opiate addiction.
• Describe treatment and relapse prevention utilizing psycho-education, motivational interviewing, and other modalities as appropriate.
• Describe current research and professional issues and ethical and legal issues pertaining to opiate addiction.

Course Prerequisites

Intended for graduate-level students, the course is meant to expand basic understanding of addiction to more specific knowledge of opiate addiction.