Summer Institute on Addiction

online course

Addiction and its accompanying health social concerns are major problems in today's world. From substance abuse to technological and sex addictions, there are often tragic consequences for individuals, families, and the societies that they belong to. But what does it take to think through these challenging interdisciplinary problems, and how do we begin to tackle them?

As our hyper-globalized world brings people, substances, ideas, and potential sources of addiction closer together than ever, researchers, care providers, academics and professionals need to look at addiction studies in a new, dynamic light. This online summer institute is the ideal forum to discuss these important developing topics.

Course leader

Dr. Helle Larsen's research focuses on social and cognitive processes related to psychopathology (alcohol use, smoking, anxiety) and behavior in adolescents and young adults.

Target group

Have you completed a Bachelor's degree? Are you currently enrolled in a Masters or a PhD? Do you currently work in the field of human services (policy makers, NGO staff working on addiction-related issues, professionals in mental health, practitioners and advocates)?

If you fall into one of the categories above, then please fill-in our online application for the programme.

Course aim

The programme is built around four themes: an overview of policies and the history of the concept of addiction, contemporary prevention services, the current state of affairs, and an assessment of treatment innovations. Each module concludes with a workshop integrating concepts into daily clinical, policy, and research practices. Two excursions supplement classroom presentation: a visit to a coffee shop, harm reduction service, and a police officer in the Hague; and a morning visit at the the municipal Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD).

A central aspect of the institute is the opportunity to learn from colleagues from around the world. During the course, participants will be invited to briefly present in their areas of specialization the current state of affairs in their home countries (e.g. policy, prevention, treatment). Following the presentations, facilitated workshop session assist students to integrate the research and practice information from instructors and peers into tangible goals and plans for applying course information to their professional work upon their return home.

Credits info

4 EC
Upon successful completion of the programme, students who wish to earn credits will receive an official transcript stating the courses taken, credits earned and grades obtained.

Fee info

EUR 1000: Tuition fee. Including all course materials and access to the University's digital learning environment and library.