HUMS 130 Pharmacology/Substances of Abuse

Broad overview of the substances of abuse, the mechanism of action, tolerance, dependence, detoxification, and biological impacts. Emotional, cognitive, and behavioral adaptation for all of the substance classifications. (NE)

Credits

3

Outcomes

1. 1. Identify the classifications, the kinds of substances within the classification, its effects, and an awareness of adjusting counseling and therapy styles according to substance effect impact on the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral components. (Included is the aspect of half-life).
2. 2. Define tolerance, dependence, cross tolerance and cross dependency
3. 3. Understand and discuss the reward effect of substances in the mechanism of action within the brain's survival domain of drive and reinforcement and how it relates to Substance Use Disorder as a primary disease.
4. 4. Identify the route of administration methods of substance use.
5. 5. Differentiate between psychiatric medications, (benzodiazepines, and like anxiolytics are the exception), and the substances of abuse, as well as understanding the importance of these drugs in treating dual disordered patients. (Identify the basic kinds, and the mental disease being treated is also included).