Fellowship in Addiction Psychology
Develop advanced expertise in addiction psychology, evidence-based interventions, and rehabilitation strategies for substance use and behavioral addictions.
Course Overview
Addiction Psychology is a specialized area within psychology that focuses on understanding and addressing substance use and behavioral addictions. With increasing concerns around alcohol, drugs, and emerging behavioral dependencies such as gaming and internet use, there is a growing need for trained professionals who can provide effective, evidence-based care. This Fellowship in Addiction Psychology is designed to develop advanced knowledge and clinical competencies in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of addictive behaviors. The program adopts a biopsychosocial approach, integrating theory with supervised practical training. It prepares fellows to work across clinical, rehabilitation, and community settings while maintaining ethical and culturally responsive practices.
What You'll Learn
Build a strong foundation in the understanding of substance use and behavioral addictions, including their psychological, biological, and social dimensions.
Develop practical skills in screening, assessment, diagnosis, and formulation of addiction-related cases.
Train fellows in evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and relapse prevention techniques.
Enhance counseling and communication skills for working effectively with individuals, families, and groups affected by addiction
Enable identification and management of co-occurring mental health disorders commonly associated with addiction.
Promote ethical, culturally sensitive, and client-centered practices in diverse clinical and community settings.
Encourage the application of research and critical thinking in planning and evaluating treatment interventions.
Prepare fellows to contribute to prevention, rehabilitation, and community outreach programs.
Requirements
Curriculum
9 Sections · 36 Lessons · 12 Months
01Foundations of Addiction Psychology7 lessons
- Definition & nature of addiction
- Historical perspectives on substance use
- Biopsychosocial model of addiction
- Theories of addiction (behavioral, cognitive, psychodynamic, neurobiological)
- Classification systems: DSM-5-TR & ICD-11
- Types of substances and behavioral addictions
- Stigma & myths related to addiction
02Neurobiology of Addiction6 lessons
- Brain reward pathways
- Neurotransmitters involved in addiction (dopamine, GABA, glutamate, etc.)
- Neuroadaptation & tolerance mechanisms
- Genetic & epigenetic influences
- Effects of specific substances on the brain
- Neuropsychological consequences of chronic use
03Psychological Assessment in Addiction7 lessons
- Clinical interview methods for addiction
- Screening tools: AUDIT, DUDIT, ASSIST, CAGE, SASSI
- Psychological testing
- Differential diagnosis (addiction vs. mental disorders)
- Motivational interviewing assessment
- Risk assessment (suicide, overdose, relapse risk)
- Case formulation skills
04Psychotherapeutic Interventions8 lessons
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for SUD
- Relapse Prevention Therapy
- Mindfulness-based relapse prevention
- Contingency management
- Family therapy models (CRAFT, MDFT)
- Group therapy techniques
- 12-Step facilitation
05Pharmacotherapy in Addiction (for psychologists: overview)4 lessons
- Basics of detoxification
- Medications for alcohol, opioid, nicotine & other substance use disorders
- Pharmacodynamics & pharmacokinetics
- Role of psychologists in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) teams
06Dual Diagnosis & Co-Occurring Disorders5 lessons
- Depression, anxiety, PTSD
- Bipolar disorder & psychosis with addiction
- Personality disorders (especially BPD, ASPD)
- Trauma-informed care
- Integrated treatment models
07Behavioral Addictions6 lessons
- Gambling disorder
- Gaming disorder
- Internet & smartphone addiction
- Pornography/sex addiction
- Shopping & food addiction
- Assessment & treatment strategies
08Rehabilitation & Recovery Management6 lessons
- Inpatient and outpatient models of care
- Recovery planning & case management
- Community reintegration
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Peer support systems
- Long-term relapse prevention strategies
09Public Health, Ethics & Legal Issues6 lessons
- National and international drug policies
- Harm reduction approaches
- Ethical issues in addiction treatment
- Confidentiality & informed consent
- Rights of people with addiction
- Workplace policies & rehabilitation guidelines
Instructor
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