Addiction Science: Psychology and Pharmacology
PSY-40215
This course provides a “deep dive” into the psychological foundations and evidence base for understanding substance use, misuse and recovery. This wholistic approach will not only investigate the mechanistic components of addiction (human chemistry, biology and brain science), but also explore the oft cited spiritual, psychological, and existential dimensions of the addiction experience. Modules will be included that describe in detail the common drugs of abuse and their various properties, as well as the drugs utilized in medication assisted treatment. Attention is paid to treatment modalities, recovery support services, intervention, nutrition, co-occurring disorders, motivational therapy, harm reduction, tobacco addiction and special populations.
Course Information
Course sessions
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This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Substance Use Counseling: Theory and Practice (The Merrill Counseling Series) 6th
by Patricia Stevens, Robert Smith
ISBN / ASIN: 9780134055930
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 1/19/2026
Schedule:
Instructor: John Dunham
co-occurring mental health disorders.
A certified substance use disorder counselor (CADC III, SUDCC), registered yoga teacher (RYT200), and associate therapist (AMFT, APCC), John’s academic path reflects his dedication to healing and service. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, building on his Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and his A.S. in Addiction & Recovery Counseling from City College of San Francisco.
At UC San Diego, John teaches with a deep respect for the complexity of addiction and recovery. His courses integrate evidence-based approaches with practical experience from the field, emphasizing cultural humility, trauma-informed care, and patient empowerment. He is especially passionate about mentoring future counselors and psychologists to work ethically and effectively with low-income, multicultural, and gender-diverse populations.
John’s research and conference presentations focus on the implementation of contingency management within opioid treatment programs and the expansion of harm reduction strategies. Whether in the classroom or the clinic, he is committed to fostering connection, resilience, and growth in all his students and patients.
