Substance Abuse-Recognition, Intervention, and Prevention

Course overview

Individuals abuse substances for a variety of complicated reasons. Abused substances produce some form of intoxication that alters judgment, perception, attention, and/or physical control. Substance abuse impacts individuals, families, and communities across the globe. Social attitudes and political and legal responses to the abuse of substances make it an especially complicated public health issue. Prevention, early intervention, and the availability of a variety of treatment options contribute significantly to reducing the incidence and impact of substance abuse. The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the key issues in the recognition, intervention, and prevention of substance abuse.