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Addiction 101: For First Responders


Description

This course provides a clear, practical foundation in the science of addiction and evidence-based treatments. By understanding the powerful biological forces driving substance use, first responders can move beyond thinking of addiction as a moral failing or choice, and choose responses that are safer and more effective. This knowledge will help first responders in their one-on-one interactions, while also emphasizing the value of linking people to effective, evidence-based treatment. 


Learners will gain a foundational understanding of addiction as a complex, chronic brain disease, exploring how it’s influenced by both genetics and environmental factors like stress and trauma.


Learning Outcomes 

  • Understand the science of addiction and its impact on the brain
  • Build knowledge of evidence-based treatments 
  • Learn one-on-one responses that are safer, more compassionate, and more effective
  • Understand how to link people to effective, evidence-based treatment. 
  • Differentiate between the genetic and environmental factors leading to addiction 
  • Learn about the chronic nature of addiction 
  • Understand how behavioral therapies and medications support recovery

Content
  • Introduction: Addiction 101 For First Responders (3 min)
  • Section 1.1: Addiction and the Brain (7 min)
  • Self-Check (2 min)
  • Section 1.2: Three Stage Cycle of Addiction (6 min)
  • Section 1 Review (5 min)
  • Section 1 Check Your Understanding (2 min)
  • Section 2.1: Genetic Influence on Addiction (7 min)
  • Self-Check (2 min)
  • Section 2.2: The Interaction Between Genes and Environment (7 min)
  • Section 2 Review (5 min)
  • Section 2 Check Your Understanding (3 min)
  • Section 3: Chronic and Recurring Nature of Addiction (4 min)
  • Section 3 Review (4 min)
  • Section 3 Check Your Understanding (3 min)
  • Section 4.1: The Science of Recovery (5 min)
  • Self-Check (2 min)
  • Section 4.2: Treatment Options (9 min)
  • Section 4 Review (4 min)
  • Section 4 Check Your Understanding (5 min)
  • Section 5.1: The Most Addictive Drugs and Current Use Landscape (7 min)
  • Self-Check (2 min)
  • Section 5.2: Emerging Trends (6 min)
  • Section 5 Review (4 min)
  • Section 5 Check Your Understanding (4 min)
  • Addiction 101 Conclusion (2 min)
  • Graded Post-Test (7 min)
  • End of Course Feedback Survey (3 min)
  • Addiction 101 For First Responders Complete
Completion rules
  • You must complete the units "Section 5.2: Emerging Trends (6 min), Self-Check (2 min), Section 5.1: The Most Addictive Drugs and Current Use Landscape (7 min), Section 4 Check Your Understanding (5 min), Section 4 Review (4 min), Section 4.2: Treatment Options (9 min), Self-Check (2 min), Section 3 Check Your Understanding (3 min), Addiction 101 For First Responders Complete, Graded Post-Test (7 min), Addiction 101 Conclusion (2 min), Section 5 Check Your Understanding (4 min), Section 5 Review (4 min), Section 2.1: Genetic Influence on Addiction (7 min), Section 1 Check Your Understanding (2 min), Section 1 Review (5 min), Self-Check (2 min), Section 1.1: Addiction and the Brain (7 min), Introduction: Addiction 101 For First Responders (3 min), Section 4.1: The Science of Recovery (5 min), Section 3 Review (4 min), Section 3: Chronic and Recurring Nature of Addiction (4 min), Section 2 Check Your Understanding (3 min), Section 2 Review (5 min), Section 2.2: The Interaction Between Genes and Environment (7 min), Self-Check (2 min)"
  • Leads to a certificate with a duration: Forever