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.
Overview
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
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Reviews
3.8 rating, based on 23 Class Central reviews
4.7 rating at Coursera based on 2211 ratings
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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.
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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…
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Good course, simple review of different substances on brain. I'm a counselor & appreciated his approach, simple but pretty thorough. Recommend
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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.
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Chagit Deitzthis 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
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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.
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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
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Gina Beaton -
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Chiman Lee
