Pharmacology of Drugs of Abuse

Catalog description

This course will give an overview of the physical and psychological effects of commonly used substances of abuse. It will describe the brain neurochemistry, especially as it is affected and changed by drug use. It will examine in detail the effects of all the major drugs of abuse on the body. It will also describe the mechanism of action of commonly used mental health medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. The course will conclude with an overview of the therapeutic approaches for managing withdrawal, overdose, and substance use disorders. This course fulfills one 3-unit core requirement for the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE).