Course Description

In this course you will learn about the disease of addiction by looking at how the brain is affected from substances such as drugs and alcohol and how the disease of addiction develops.

This course is for first responders who will benefit from an understanding and knowledge of the science of the disease of addiction.

Addiction / Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a major public health concern in the United States. Nearly 20 million Americans 12 years of age or older have SUD, with 2.5 million Americans having a SUD involving either prescription opioids or heroin.

Community-Wide Effort Required
"No single organization or person can address the multitude of services needed to help people affected by mental health or substance use conditions… the best sources are the people who live, serve, and work in the community and the best results are often seen when they undertake such action together." — SAMHSA, One Voice, One Community

Course Reviewer

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.

What You Will Learn

  • You will acquire a foundational understanding of how the brain is affected from substances such as drugs and alcohol.

  • Describe how the disease of addiction develops.

  • An understanding of brain neuroplasticity and how through treatment and recovery the brain can change/reset.

Accredited Continuing Education

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. 

CE Credit Course Requirements

  • 100% course completion

  • 80% (minimum) passing grade on the final exam

  • Complete the course ending survey

How to Receive CE Credit(s)

During course registration you will be prompted to select your CE Credit area. You should select "First Responder".

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)

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. 

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

Additional Course Notes

  • There are no prerequisites for this course. We recommend you consider “The Opioid Public Health Crisis — 3.0 CE Credits" online course ($45.00). This provides a foundational knowledge on this nationwide health crisis and the solutions and actions to take to reduce the epidemic’s effect.

  • This course provides 2.0 CE Credits - delivered upon 100% course completion, achievement of 80% (minimum) passing grade on the final exam, and completing the course ending survey.

  • 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.

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."

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

"I have developed a basic understanding of addiction and will be able to articulate this information to classes of middle school students and college students, in the near future. I also have a greater understanding of terminology used to describe patterns of addition."

"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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