PHARMACOLOGY OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES: PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF DRUGS OF ABUSE

Course overview

This course focuses on the physical, psychological and pharmacological effects of drugs of abuse. Topics covered include the scope and prevalence of psychoactive substance use in the United States today; tolerance and withdrawal, predisposing risk factors, short- and long-term health consequences and medical complications of psychoactive substance abuse. Psychoactive substances covered include anabolic steroids, cocaine, hallucinogens and dissociative drugs, heroin, inhalants, marijuana, MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and tobacco.