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. Students develop an understanding of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications. 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 addition/dependence, including the signs, symptoms, and behavior patterns. Students will explore the potential for substance use disorders to mimic and/or co-occur with a variety of neurological, medical, and psychological disorders.