Self-Paced Video-Based Learning

Highly Recommended by 89% of the People Who Have Taken the Course

Course Description

Substance Use Disorders are a major public health concern in the United States. An estimated 48 million Americans 12 years of age or older are affected by this treatable, chronic medical disease. Approximately 21 million are in recovery and another 27 million in active addiction. While this medical illness affects many, substance use disorder is often misunderstood, often viewed as a moral failing or a cause of poor willpower.

Participants will learn about the disease of addiction by looking at how the brain is affected from substances such as drugs and alcohol. The course will review cause and risk factors for developing substance use disorder and how through brain neuroplasticity and treatment and recovery the brain can change / reset.

Download Overview: Brain-and-the-Disease-of-Addiction-BDA-Overview-MATE-ACT.pdf

What You Will Learn

At the completion of the course, you will be able to

  • Discuss how the brain is affected from substances such as drugs and alcohol.

  • Explain how the disease of addiction develops.

  • Explain brain neuroplasticity and how through treatment and recovery the brain can change / reset.

Continuing Education for First Responder

As an approved Law Enforcement Training Board training provider (#47-1333720), Overdose Lifeline online training courses meet annual in-service training requirements for Indiana Law Enforcement officers and support personnel, specifically for Mental Illness, Addiction & Disabilities IC 5-2-1-9(g).

For first responders in other states, before beginning any of the Overdose Lifeline online courses we recommend that you verify that the course is of suitable subject matter and content for annual in-service training with your Department’s Certified Instructor. 

How to Receive Course Credit

Upon successful completion of the course you will be issued a certificate which includes the information required to submit to Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board. The specific information required includes:

Overdose Lifeline’s Provider Number: #47-1333720. 

Continuing Education / Training Hours: 2.0

Course Number: FR-BDA20

Please follow the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board procedure below to ensure your training is properly reported, 

  1. Register for the classes at the provider’s website.
  2. Complete the class and all the requirements with a passing score.
  3. Print the certificate of completion or other documentation that indicates your successful completion of the class.
  4. Report the training by submitting a copy of the certificate and provide the LETB Certified Training Provider number to your department Training Coordinator.
  5. The Training Coordinator will report the training through Acadis as part of your annual in-service training using the LETB Certified Training Provider number for the organization that presented the online training. 

(IT IS THE DEPARTMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT THE TRAINING, NOT THE PROVIDER)

If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Take Online Courses from Anywhere

Completing when it is convenient for you.

  • Video-based Online Learning

  • Highly Rated: 4.86 Rating. 89% Would Recommend.

  • On Your Schedule — At Your Own Pace

  • Progress is Tracked So You Can Pick Up Where You Left Off

  • Gain Knowledge or Fulfill Educational or Professional Requirements

  • Certificate Delivered Upon Successful Course Completion

What People Are Saying

The Brain and the Disease of Addiction Course


"This course allowed me to truly understand the science behind the disease, which allowed me to really grasp addiction in terms of a disease rather than a moral failing."

"Prior to taking this course, I was not aware of the physiologic changes in the brain leading to addiction. I had no idea that using substances during the teenage yielded a higher chance of developing a substance use disorder. Additionally, the fact that the brain is basically rewired to place drugs at the top of the survival hierarchy within the brain."

"I developed a better understanding of how illicit drugs affect the brain and why it is so difficult to actually recover."

"I particularly found the discussion surrounding brain chemistry and the evidence-based science behind addiction very helpful and beneficial. "

"I never really understood the science behind addiction, but now I feel that I have more understanding and compassion for those who struggle with the disease of addiction. It was also beneficial to learn how drugs effect the brain , how the brain reacts to drugs and its release of dopamine."
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Additional Course Notes

  • The course may be accessed from a computer, tablet or mobile device. Internet access is required as are speakers for audio.

  • The following web browsers are supported: Desktop - Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and Edge. Note the course platform does not support Internet Explorer. Mobile - iOS Safari: 11 and up, Chrome, Samsung Internet.

  • The course will remain available in your account for six months - allowing you to complete the course at your own pace and return to the course later for review of key concepts.

  • The course material has been reviewed by subject matter expert: Rob Atchison, Ph.D., LMFT, NCC, AAMFT Approved Supervisor, Assistant Professor of Graduate Counseling, Director of Clinical Training, INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, Indianapolis, IN.

  • All faculty, staff and reviewers involved in the planning, review or presentation of continuing education activities provided by Purdue University College of Pharmacy are required to disclose to the audience any commercial financial affiliations with ineligible companies related to the content of the presentation or enduring material. All planning committee members, writers, staff and reviewers of Overdose Lifeline and Purdue University have no relationships to disclose.

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