The Addicted Brain

Emory University via Coursera

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Details

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Free Online Course (Audit)
Languages

English
Certificate

Paid Certificate Available
Duration & workload

22 hours
Sessions

On-Demand
Subtitles

Arabic, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Italian, German, Russian, English, Spanish, Greek, Kazakh, Hindi, Swedish, Korean, Thai, Ukrainian, Japanese, Indonesian, Polish, Dutch, Turkish, Hungarian, Bengali, Pashto, Urdu, Azerbaijani, Farsi

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Overview

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This is a course about addiction to drugs and other behaviors. It will describe what happens in the brain and how this information helps us deal with and overcome addiction. It will also discuss other topics, such as government policy and our vulnerability to take drugs.

Syllabus

The Background & Overview of Drug Use

In this first week, we'll explore drug abuse, types of addictions, and the behaviors associated with them.

Drugs & How the Brain Works

In this second week, we'll get a glimpse at why certain drugs are addicting and how they affect different regions of the brain.

Classes of Drugs

In this third week, we'll take a deep dive into the different types of drugs and their individual effects.

Classes of Drugs with Animal Models

In this fourth week, we'll take a look at the drug self-administration model in animals and the implications of these results.

Neurotransmission & Brain Imaging

In this fifth week, we'll consider synaptic transmission and how drugs alter it.

Vulnerability: Drug Use, Abuse, & Prevention

In this sixth week, we'll have the chance to consider the concept of vulnerability and the value and effectiveness of treatment.

Treatment, Policy, & Decriminalization

In this seventh week, we'll explore drug treatment and government drug policies that exist.

Drugs & Society

In this final week, we'll explore the recent opioid epidemic as well as the topic of medical and recreational marijuana.

Taught by

Michael Kuhar

Reviews

3.8 rating, based on 23 Class Central reviews

4.7 rating at Coursera based on 2222 ratings

Start your review of The Addicted Brain

Matteo Ferrara @matteo

I felt like the professor was more committed to make me avoid drugs than to explain them in a scientific fashion, it was't bad, just weird and not what I expected.
Anne Hotchkiss

I was disappointed with the content and delivery of the material. I found the material disjointed... part of the course was a VERY basic survey of the various classes of drugs with their definitions, then we were shown the chemistry of these substan…

I was disappointed with the content and delivery of the material. I found the material disjointed... part of the course was a VERY basic survey of the various classes of drugs with their definitions, then we were shown the chemistry of these substances and how they interact with the brain. Perhaps I assumed too much... that the course would cover our current understanding of addiction, i.e., the long-term effects of addiction on the brain, genetic pre-disposition, comparative relapse and recovery statistics per class of drug, etc. I was hoping for state-of-the-art science/data, rather than what appeared to be simply a rehash of the classes of drugs followed by their basic chemical reactions in the brain. If I wanted only that information, I could have looked it up on Google in an hour. Unfortunately, I found the professor dronish and as unsatisfying as the material. Thank you, Anne
Anonymous

I place a high value on this class for knowing how the brain works on a reward level and the complexities of the changes in the brain brought about by addicting substances. I postulate then that the neuroplastic brain through proper stimulation physically can improve as well and this motivates me to upgrade the quality of my food and mental intake. I want to be brimming with the dopamine brought on by healthy choices. The professor is superior in every way. I want to thank him very much for his invaluable work in the development of the PET scan and his clear and compelling presentation of his knowledge in this tightly organized course. Best to you! Lynn Delaney
Anonymous

The course explains very clearly, for non-experts, how drugs work in the brain. I love that the material is presented in a calm and non-judgmental way. The course helps one to step back from the apparent chaos that addiction can create, and to think about it and act in a constructive manner.
Kathryn Kang

The instructor carefully explains many things about drug-taking that would otherwise be difficult for a learner to understand. His attitude is non-judgmental, and empathetic. I especially recommend this course to anyone who is a parent of an addicted person, and who wants to help and support that person in an informed manner.
Anonymous

Poor course. Content is shallow, despite the Professor's impressive credentials. He seems more concerned about telling people not to take drugs than in getting into the science. Quizzes are ridiculously easy.
Emiel De Jonge

The course was very informational. The educator knows what he is talking about. The subject is very interesting and the educator knows how to make abstract information interesting. All with all a great course.
Anonymous

Good course, simple review of different substances on brain. I'm a counselor & appreciated his approach, simple but pretty thorough. Recommend
Anonymous

Don't take this course if you are science (chemistry/biology/neurobiology) student. The course is super shallow. It's rather meant for general public. Main message of the course is "don't use drugs" and not a scientific data.
Chagit Deitz

this course is old fashion, does not use much of the new knowledge concern substance use disorder. the teacher language is not sensitive, and help the stigma to flourish- thank you
chagit deitz
Barinder Pal Singh Ahuja

Excellent insight into the world of drug addiction, Dr Kuher's presentation is engaging, lucid and sympathetic. The course includes latest advances into the science of drug addiction.
Anonymous

I found this course poorly structured and very superficial. It doesn't go into detail about effects of substances and their mechanisms, but rather briefly mentions them. And basically about every substance the lecturer says "it causes addiction, brain changes, develops withdrawal... abuse is prevalent and dangerous". I don't see any value in taking course that says "cocaine makes you high". IMHO either you should go into detailed molecular mechanisms about each drug referring papers or just mention them all in one video saying "drugs are bad and addictive". Waste of time so far and I'm halfway through course
Francisco Javier Jiménez
Caroline
Kayciana Perry
Aung Kyaw Zaw
Gina Beaton
Ingrid Degand
Robert Murray Dickson
Chiman Lee

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