1. List at least 3 addictive substances that you think are the "most harmful" and explain WHY based on their effects on the brain, body and society.
2. Discuss the biopsychosocial model of addiction. Choose a hypothetical addiction and explain how you could treat that addiction using a biopsychosocial approach.
3. Discuss the strengths perspective and explain at least 3 key principles of this approach. Then explain how this approach differs from traditional approaches to treating addiction.
4. Define harm reduction using at least two contemporary examples (that relate to addiction). Then explain why harm reduction is controversial, yet important.
5. Compare the similarities between the Prohibition Era and the current War on Drugs. Then explain the limitations of prohibitive attempts at curbing substance use historically and today.
6. Explain the biological causes of addiction and include a description of the reward pathway in the brain, and how this induces a "high".
7. Describe 3 eating disorders and the biological and social factors contributing to them. Also, discuss how best to treat them.
8. Describe 3 behavioral addictions (that are NOT eating disorders) and explain the interconnectedness of all addictions and facts concerning the uniqueness of each behavioral addiction that you choose. Then discuss why cognitive behavioral therapy is a useful treatment option for behavioral addictions.
9. Explain how gender, sexuality, race and class impact a person's access to drugs (and why) and also access to treatment (and why).