01: Addiction and the Brain

Explore the multifaceted world of addiction in this 1.5-hour course that intersects various disciplines from biology to sociology. This course demystifies some aspects of the disease model of addiction with a featured interview with Dr. Kevin McCauley, a medical doctor whose own recovery journey led him into research on how substances affect the brain. You’ll explore the role of neurotransmitters and other key factors that impact the brain’s functioning and influence behaviour in both addiction and recovery.  Designed for a diverse audience, including healthcare enthusiasts, behavioural science students, care providers, counselors, and all staff involved in recovery services, this course aims to provide a solid foundation for understanding the complex nature of addiction.

By the end of this experience, you’ll gain insight into how substances affect the brain’s reward pathway, and the impacts of dopamine and neurotransmitters on the brain, body and behaviours. You’ll also walk away with a better grasp of other factors that contribute to the onset and continuation of addictive behaviours, and how the brain can learn to form healthier pathways in recovery.