Addiction and the Brain
Product Developed: The University of Washington School of Nursing, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, College of Education, and Educational Outreach collaborated to produce a three quarter, nine credit distance learning certificate program, Addiction and the Brain.
Target Audience: teachers, school counselors and nurses, educators in the prison system, lawmakers, and members of the judiciary
Goal: The program is designed to provide an interactive learning environment which prepares participants to apply the knowledge they gain about the neurobiology of addiction directly to their work environment. The online courses teach neuroscience concepts necessary to understand the brain's reward system; increase participants' knowledge of the neurobiological mechanism of addiction; and increase participants' ability to implement neuroscience-based resources and curricula about addiction in their areas of practice.
Availability: The program has been institutionalized at the University of Washington School of Nursing and The University of Washington Education Outreach.
Contact: Susanna Cunningham, Ph.D.
University of Washington
susannac@u.washington.edu