Substance Use

Basics of Neurobiology

The basics of Neurobiology lesson will teach clients about pleasure-circuitry (rewards system) and survival (limbic system) areas of the brain It highlights dopamine and glutamate as working in partnership to notice and store "good/pleasurable" experiences, building neural networks (pathways) of what to do (thinking and behavior) when under stress to ensure biological survival. The rewards and limbic systems are the building blocks to understanding mental illness, such as substance use disorder.

Substance Use

Disease Model of Addiction

Many people assume that addiction is not a disease but a weakness of character. This misconception contributes to the stigma of addiction and unfairly minimizes the challenge of overcoming chemical dependence. Advances in neuroscience and imaging technology have rapidly evolved our understanding of addiction and demonstrated a great deal of support for what is often referred to as the brain disease model of addiction. This lesson is an introduction to the disease model of addiction.

Substance Use

How Drugs and Alcohol Affect the Brain

In the How Alcohol Affects the Brain lesson you will receive education on the neurobiological component of behaviors associated with addiction, and those of family members who are affected. You will receive education about the medical consequences of stress-induced behaviors, relapse, and effects on emotional state.