Prescription for Addiction

Catalog description

This course is designed to offer insight into the anatomical, biochemical and pathological changes that occur when psycoactive drugs are introduced into the human body via various methods of delivery. Discussions will focus on the stimulants, including cocaine and amphetamines; depressants, including opioids, sedatives and alcohol and those that can act as stimulants or depressants, including LSD, marijuana and the designer drugs. Attention will be directed to the Egyptian, Indian, Chinese, Greek, South American and other ancient cultures who utilized these mind-altering substances for spiritual, medicinal and religious purposes toward the goal of being one with nature and sustaining a relationship to absorb the ancient knowledge of their culture. Students will gain knolwedge of the prescription drug epidemic, the effects of over-the-counter medications and the lethal consequences of drug interactions. Not open to science majors; fullfills AOK 3 and AOK 5.