Jung and Addiction

Jung and Addiction

An eight week college-level course

This course is an ideal resource for anyone interested in learning more about Carl Jung’s understanding of addiction and its treatment and his connection to Alcoholics Anonymous and the recovery movement. Throughout this course a number of different approaches to recovery are brought into conversation with Jung’s understanding of addiction and compulsivity.

This course includes one free class plus eight full modules with resources and further learning opportunities available through our online learning platform, www.depthpsychologyacademy.com. Students who successfully complete all of the assignments in the online learning platform will earn a certificate of completion.

Attendees may also simply audit the course,
without needing to complete assignments for credit

Click here to register now for the free introductory class!

Click here to enroll in the full eight week college-level course!

You see, ‘alcohol’ in Latin is ‘spiritus’ and you use the same word for the highest religious experience as well as for the most depraving poison. The helpful formula therefore is: spiritus contra spiritum.

 ~ Carl Jung, his letter to Bill W., in Letters of C. G. Jung Vol. 2, p. 625 

Despite all scientific research and learning, advanced drugs and medications, and advances in psychology and psychotherapy, the advice that Carl Jung gave one of his patients, a Mr. Roland H., in the early 20th century is now widely recognized as being the most effective treatment of alcoholism and addiction that has yet been discovered. Jung told Roland H. that his condition was hopeless unless “he could become the subject of a spiritual or religious experience.” Strange advice coming from a medical professional, but it not only inspired Roland H. to finally give up alcohol, but has become one of the core principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. What did Jung mean by this statement? Why are addicts often able to overcome their addictions through twelve step programs when no other methods seem to be as effective? How do these methods relate to Jung’s process of individuation and the problem of evil? How do these ideas relate to trauma, neurobiology and attachment theory? We explore these questions and more in this college-level course on Jung and addiction. Throughout this course we explore how Jung and other Jungians have understood addiction and compulsivity, and we compare these approaches to contemporary scientific and social scientific approaches.

Click here to register now for the free introductory class!

Click here to enroll in the full eight week college-level course!

Participants will take part in eight weekly classes, plus one free introductory class

Start time for each live event is 1pm Pacific Time (4pm Eastern Time) 90 min
(Each class will be recorded for future viewing)

Free! Jung and Addiction: Introduction – Free! – October 5th
Module 1:
Jung and Alcoholics Anonymous – October 12th
Module 2:
Jung and Jungians on Addiction – October 19th
***No class October 26th due to Fall Break***
Module 3:  Addiction and Trauma – November 2nd
Module 4:
 The Neurobiology of Attachment and Addictions – November 9th
Module 5:
  Fairy Tales of Addiction – November 16th
Module 6: 
Changing for Good – November 23rd
***No class November 25 due to the Thanksgiving holiday week-end***
Module 7:
 Addiction, Creativity, and Individuation – December 7th
Module 8:
Addiction and Culture – December 14th

Participants will:

  • Learn the basic components of Jung’s theory and how they relate to addiction and compulsivity.
  • Learn some of the history of Alcoholics Anonymous and how Jung’s ideas have influenced the 12 Step movement.
  • Learn the basics of how attachment theory might help us to better understand addiction and recovery.
  • Learn how psychological and emotional trauma impact addiction and recovery
  • Discover a wealth of resources related to a Jungian understanding addiction and compulsivity.
  • Learn how Jung’s theory might help us to function optimally in a highly addictive cultural environment. 
  • Have an opportunity to complete a series of online assignments toward earning a certificate of completion through the Depth Psychology Academy.

AUDITORS WELCOME

Can't attend live? Each class will be recorded and made available to all registrants.

About Your Instructor
James R. Newell, PhD
Vanderbilt University

James Newell is an educator, counselor, personal coach, professional musician, and the director of the Depth Psychology Academy and the Depth Psychology Alliance. James earned his master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling and Theology from Vanderbilt University Divinity School, with a focus on Jungian psychology. He earned his doctorate in History of Religions from the Vanderbilt University Graduate School of Religion. James has taught online courses in world religions for Central Michigan University, Excelsior College, and other schools. For the past several years he has been developing a certification program in depth psychology offered through the Depth Psychology Academy.

Pricing:

General Public:
$249.00

Depth Psychology Alliance Members receive a 15% discount:
$212.00 when you use the discount code: dpa15

Click here to register now for the free introductory class!

Click here to enroll in the full eight week college-level course!

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