Stanford Center for Health Education
Psychology of Addiction and Recovery
Learn more about the science of addiction and explore methods for psychological treatment and successful recovery.
Start date
25 September 2025
Course duration
6 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
5–6 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The number of people who suffer from drug-use disorders and require treatment services globally.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (Jun, 2019).
The percentage of people who need substance-use treatment, but do not receive it or are not ready to stop using, while 33% cannot afford treatment.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Aug, 2019).
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
Research confirms that addiction is a disease that affects the individual’s brain and behavior. The latest findings have improved scientists’ understanding of drug addiction, leading to effective psychological interventions. Treatment, recovery, and prevention are part of how the disease is now managed globally.
The Psychology of Addiction and Recovery online short course from the Stanford Center for Health Education (SCHE), a part of Stanford Medicine, delves into the complex doctor-patient relationship, the science of addiction, and overcoming barriers to drug dependence. Over six weeks, you’ll examine how medication, psychotherapy, and peer support can enhance recovery and how evidence-based research can help us develop new treatments. Additionally, you’ll explore the neurobiological factors that influence addiction and how they can affect intervention and recovery — all under the guidance of Dr. Anna Lembke, the medical director of Addiction Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Is this course for you?
Over the last few years, remarkable progress has been made in developing evidence-based psychosocial treatments for substance abuse. This short course delves into the latest science to help you gain a better understanding of substance and process addiction, and how they affect intervention and recovery. Health and care professionals, including mental health counselors, social workers, and recovery coaches, will benefit from the practical insights into addiction and recovery. Information about the latest recovery management options, including biological, psychological, and social treatment avenues, will be invaluable for physicians participating in the course.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
Research confirms that addiction is a disease that affects the individual’s brain and behavior. The latest findings have improved scientists’ understanding of drug addiction, leading to effective psychological interventions. Treatment, recovery, and prevention are part of how the disease is now managed globally.
The Psychology of Addiction and Recovery online short course from the Stanford Center for Health Education (SCHE), a part of Stanford Medicine, delves into the complex doctor-patient relationship, the science of addiction, and overcoming barriers to drug dependence. Over six weeks, you’ll examine how medication, psychotherapy, and peer support can enhance recovery and how evidence-based research can help us develop new treatments. Additionally, you’ll explore the neurobiological factors that influence addiction and how they can affect intervention and recovery — all under the guidance of Dr. Anna Lembke, the medical director of Addiction Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Is this course for you?
Over the last few years, remarkable progress has been made in developing evidence-based psychosocial treatments for substance abuse. This short course delves into the latest science to help you gain a better understanding of substance and process addiction, and how they affect intervention and recovery. Health and care professionals, including mental health counselors, social workers, and recovery coaches, will benefit from the practical insights into addiction and recovery. Information about the latest recovery management options, including biological, psychological, and social treatment avenues, will be invaluable for physicians participating in the course.
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Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
What will set you apart
An understanding of the history of addiction and how perceptions of addiction have changed over time.
An intuitive grasp of the neurological and psychological effects of addiction, and how this aids in the path to recovery.
Awareness of how peer-based policies and approaches to recovery can be used to treat addiction, and how policy-level interventions can be used to address substance misuse in populations.
Insight into biological and psychological approaches to recovery.
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
The history of addiction
Module 2
The neurobiology of the addicted brain
Module 3
Screening and early intervention
Module 4
Biological approaches to recovery
Module 5
Psychological approaches to recovery
Module 6
Peer-based and policy approaches to recovery
Academic Director
Anna Lembke
Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
About the certificate
Delve into the scientific principles of addiction and recovery, and earn an official certificate of completion from Stanford Center for Health Education
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with your digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
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At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
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How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
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