HSER 102 - Physiology of Psychoactive Drugs

3 Credits

An overview of the physiological effects of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs on the individual, family, and society.

Fees

Quarters Typically Offered

Winter Online

Designed to Serve Professional technical students in Chemical Dependency Professional or Human Services Transfer students as an area of emphasis Those employed in the fields of chemical dependency counseling or human services
Active Date 2016-04-05

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 38
Contact Hours: Lecture 33 Lab 0 Field Studies 0 Clinical 0 Independent Studies 0
Total Contact Hours 33
Degree Distributions:
ProfTech Course Yes
Restricted Elective Yes
Course Outline
Overview of drug use, history, classes of drugs, pharmacological properties, their use, the behavioral, psychological, social, and health effects of psychoactive substances, the drug use continuum, the varying courses of addiction, addictive behaviors, substance abuse and infectious diseases, accurate screening, treatment, and prevention.
I. Introduction to drug use
II. Commonly used substances, their classification and effects
III. Impact of substance abuse on the individual
IV. Impact of substance abuse on the family, significant others, and communities
V. Distinguishing substance abuse disorders from other medical and psychological disorders
VI. Co-occurring disorders
VII. Screening
VIII. Determining risk factors

Student Learning Outcomes
Classify psychoactive substances, describe their properties, and their health and behavioral effects

Discuss the impact of substance abuse on personal identity and human systems

Explain how medical and psychological disorders may co-exist with disorders involving substance abuse.

Describe how substance abuse disorders may mimic other medical or psychological disorders.

Describe the drug use continuum and explain the nature of addiction

Identify strategies for screening for the following: toxicity, intoxication, withdrawal symptoms, danger to self or others, along with co-existing mental health problems.

Identify interactions among drugs and their consequences

Demonstrate the necessary knowledge and communication skills to effectively and accurately educate others about drug use and its consequences.