COU 658 - Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Alcohol/Drug Use, Abuse , and Addiction (3)

This course provides an understanding of basic pharmacology and physiology, as well as medical and psychosocial characteristics of substance use disorders and will examine the physical, psychological, and sociological aspects of alcohol and drug use, abuse, and dependence. A basic understanding of alcohol, cocaine, opiates, hallucinogens, barbiturates, amphetamines, designer drugs, marijuana, and inhalants and their effect on the human system is provided. The course exposes students to the etiological, behavioral, cultural, and demographic aspects of alcohol and drug use, abuse, and addiction. Students will examine their belief system about drug and alcohol use and will review the processes of addiction/dependence, including the signs, symptoms, and behavior patterns. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to differentiate and describe the different categories of drugs and will be able to identify the signs, symptoms, and behavior patterns of addiction.