Understanding and Treating Addiction: A Psychological Perspective

Catalog description

In this course, in order to better understand substance use disorders from a psychological perspective, addiction is conceptualized as a psychopathological, maladaptive way of coping with thoughts, beliefs, and feelings. The impact of trauma and attachment on addiction will be examined as relevant psychological mechanisms involved in the development of addiction and the recovery process. Current evidence-based interventions including CBT, DBT, and MBRP will be introduced along with Motivational Interviewing and Stages of Change Theory as ways to help clients identify and resolve underlying psychological disorders while increasing cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning. Students will explore the “addictive personality” framework along with the self-medication hypothesis. Co-occurring disorders will be thoroughly covered in PSY5500E.