Physical and Pharmacological Effects of Substance Abuse

Catalog description

This course will examine how the abuse of alcohol and other drugs affects the body, with emphasis on the central nervous system, organ systems, and general physical health. The physiological basis for the disease concept of addiction will be reviewed. Psychoactive drug categories will be explored in relation to the history of use, routes of administration, and how the body processes licit and illicit substances. The effects of drugs and pharmacological interactions on metabolic processes and neuropsychological functioning will be discussed. Pre-requisites: SWK 601, 602, 611, 612, 613, 621, 622, 701, 702 and 798 OR must be active in the Advanced Standing Social Work student group.