Addiction, Drugs, and the Brain

Catalog description

In order to develop a greater knowledge of the nature and complexity of addiction, the course provides an introduction to basic principles of psychopharmacology, including the neurochemistry of drug action, chemical signaling in the nervous system, and the anatomy of several neurotransmitter systems, as well as the behavioral assessment of drug effects. Students will develop an understanding of the addiction process utilizing a biopsychosocial perspective that involves knowing about the neurobiological, behavioral and social factors that influence drug use and abuse. Topics examined may include, but are not limited to, addictions to substances as well as other addictive behaviors, various psychopharmacological principles and research techniques, the mechanism of action of several drugs of abuse, and pharmacological treatments for psychological disorders such as Substance Use Disorder and psychotic, mood, and anxiety disorders. Prevention and treatment options will be discussed.