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A Developmental Model of Addictions:

Integrating neurobiological and psychodynamic theories through the lens of attachment

About the Course

The article presents a comprehensive review that seeks to bridge neurobiological and psychodynamic perspectives on addiction, particularly through the lens of attachment theory. The authors discuss how neurobiological changes resulting from substance use affect brain structures involved in reward processing, executive function, and emotional regulation. Simultaneously, the psychodynamic approach explores how early relational experiences, particularly attachment relationships, influence the development of addiction. By integrating these perspectives, the article proposes a developmental model that considers how genetic, environmental, and relational factors interact across the lifespan to influence the risk and trajectory of addiction. The review highlights the importance of understanding addiction as a complex, multifaceted disorder that requires an interdisciplinary approach to both research and treatment.

This course is based on the reading-based online article, A Developmental Model of Addictions: created by Mauricio Alvarez-Monjaras, PhD et al in 2019.

Publication Date

1st Edition 12/2019

Course Material Authors

Course Material Authors authored the material only, and were not involved in creating this CE course. They are identified here for your own evaluation of the relevancy of the material this course is based on.

Mauricio Alvarez-Monjaras, PhD

Dr. Alvarez-Monjaras is a Clinical Fellow of the UCL Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Clinical/ Research lead of the UCL TRANSACT (Translating Insights into Action) project with clinical experience in complex trauma, identity development and LGBTQI+ support. Dr. Alvarez-Monjaras has had multiple works published in peer reviewed journals

Linda C Mayes, MD

Dr. Linda Mayes is the Arnold Gesell Professor of Child Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Psychology and Director of the Yale Child Study Center. Dr. Mayes’s research focuses on stress-response and regulatory mechanisms in young children at both biological and psychosocial risk. She has had multiple works published in peer reviewed journals.

Course Creator

Allison Brown, LCSW 149014591

Allison Brown holds a BS degree in Criminal Justice with a Psychology focus and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who currently works at a Long-Term Insurance company bringing clinical experience to claim processes. Additionally, she developed and continues to lead the Continuing Education Program for Social Workers and Nurses and often leads complex process improvement projects Prior to this, her primary focus was in mental health and worked in both the outpatient and inpatient settings providing support to adults with mental illness.

Recommended For

Addiction professionals, counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers. This course is appropriate for all levels of knowledge.

Course Objectives:

After taking this course, you should be able to:

  1. Analyze the Neurobiological Mechanisms Underlying Addiction
  2. Describe the Role of Attachment in the Development of Addiction
  3. Organize Neurobiological and Psychodynamic Theories into a Developmental Model of Addiction

Availability

This course is available starting Sep 11th, 2024 and expires Sep 10th, 2034

Disclosure to Learners

Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships

Exam Questions

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Course Number 103559
1 CE credit hour
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  • Reading-Based Online
Exam Fee $5.97
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