Main Objective:
To provide asynchronous virtual training on behavioural addictions, with a particular focus on cryptocurrencies, new digital investments, and video games, for individuals and professional teams interested in the subject.
Summary:
“Calíope: Consolidation of Asynchronous Online Postgraduate Training in Behavioural Addictions: From Loot Boxes to Cryptocurrencies” is a virtual course designed to enhance and expand the knowledge of professionals working in the prevention and intervention of behavioural addictions, particularly those engaging with young people.
The 60-hour course is funded by the European Union’s Next Generation programme and the Ministry of Health’s Recovery Plan through the Government Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs, making it entirely free of charge. It is certified at the postgraduate level by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, with which Episteme maintains a collaboration agreement.
In an increasingly digital world, young people—especially men—are showing growing interest in digital investments, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped technological consumption patterns, encouraging the compulsive use of screens, social media, and video games. As such, the course aims to deliver high-quality training to deepen participants’ understanding of behavioural addictions and their mechanisms, beyond traditional gambling or sports betting addictions.
The course is structured into four modules, each consisting of four topics. The first module introduces the fundamentals of behavioural addictions, covering terminology, the historical context of various addictive behaviours (e.g., video games, screens, sex, shopping), socio-cultural factors that drive addiction, and the Spanish and European legislation regulating these activities. The second module explores the functional components of behavioural addictions, including the range of products available, the foundations of traditional and emerging addictions, and an introduction to cryptocurrencies and NFT technology. The third module examines so-called “addictive communities” through three case studies. Finally, the course concludes with a comprehensive discussion and evaluation of prevention and intervention strategies for addressing behavioural addictions.
Keywords:
Training, virtual, asynchronous, behavioural addictions, video games, cryptocurrencies, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PNSD.
