SW-224: Understanding Behavioral Addiction

The focus of this course is to provide a foundation of understanding related to addictive behaviors beyond substance abuse. Utilizing a multidimensional perspective, the course will provide a comprehensive look at how behavioral addictions can develop and the prevalence of addictive behaviors in society. The implication of behavioral addiction on the individual, family, and communities will be examined, as well as how societal views and constructs impact the development of behavioral addiction, bias, stigma, and help-seeking. Various factors that affect behavioral addiction, including the psychological and family dynamics of addiction, advertising, media, culture, and other identities, will be explored. An overview of the current diagnostic criteria, intervention and treatment options, theory, ethics, advocacy, and current trends related to behavioral addiction will be included.Prerequisites: 3 hours in CJ, PSY, SOC, or SW and ENG 112 or WRI 118