2 Hours / 2 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on The Neuroscience of Addiction and the Role of Medications in Treatment and Recovery is presented by Mita M. Johnson, Ed.D.

As our understanding of the impact of addictions on the brain and body progresses, so does our need for integrated, science-driven practices that help a person functionally recover.  Specifically, there has been much confusion about the types of medications available to help a client recover and thrive, as well as many myths about the role of medications in treatment and recovery.  This program will focus on dispelling myths - bridging science and practice as we  identify practices that treat the whole person, including the integrated use of specific medications.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe addiction and addictive disorders and the key risk factors for developing an addiction
  • 2 Describe the impact of addictions on the brain and body
  • 3 Describe integrated practices (medical + psychotherapeutic) that have evidence of helping clients succeed in treatment and recovery
  • 4 Describe medications that have been found to be helpful as a part of integrated care as well as highlight cutting edge research currently studying alternative medications and substances

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for behavioral health professionals seeking to enhance their skills in evidence-based, integrated approaches to addiction treatment. It is suitable for individuals at any stage of their career who work with substance use disorders and related behavioral health issues.

  • Experience Level

    This training is applicable for all career stages: entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professionals.

  • Practice Setting

    • Psychologists

    • Social workers

    • Counselors

    • Other behavioral health professionals

    • Professionals specializing in substance use disorders, clinical psychology, counseling, or addiction recovery

    • Individuals working in addiction treatment centers, mental health clinics, hospitals, community-based organizations, or private practice

Presented By

Mita M Johnson, Ed.D, Ed.D

Mita M Johnson, EdD, NCC, LPC, LMFT, LAC, ACS, LMFT-S, MAC, SAP, EMDR, BC-THP has been practicing in the world of mental health, marriage and family, and addictions counseling for the past 30 years. She earned her Doctorate in counselor education and supervision and is a core faculty member in the School of Counseling program at Walden University. She has a thriving private practice where she provides telebehavioral health services, clinical supervision, counseling to our military, and addiction-specific training and education. She has been an active member of NAADAC for the last 15 years, has served as NAADAC's Ethics Chair before beginning her two-year term as NAADAC’s President in October 2020.

View More Programs from this Presenter
Mita M Johnson, Ed.D

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Clarifying the role of medications in supporting recovery

  • Addressing confusion and misinformation surrounding medication-assisted treatment (MAT)

  • Bridging scientific knowledge with clinical practice to promote functional recovery

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).



Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356 and the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6811. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CONCEPT Professional Training, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. CONCEPT Professional Training maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits.