SHS 222 - Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs

5.0 Credits
Identifies pharmacological and physiological effects of psychoactive substances related to addiction; how effects are produced; treatment methods for chronic conditions and drug interactions. Includes behavioral addictions and psychotropic medications.
Prerequisite SHS 104.
Course-level Learning Objectives (CLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Describe the impact of psychoactive drugs on human body, including ingestion, absorption, metabolism, effects on brain, liver, vascular, organs, and acute and chronic states of related disease, and repair.
Explain the fundamental pharmacological properties of each drug classification and the mechanics of their entry and impact throughout the body and brain.
Explain common medical, psychological. and cognitive conditions that may precede, coexist, or be created by drug misuse, and which mimic intoxication, toxicity, and withdrawal.
Identify physical, pharmacological, and psychological implications and symptoms of intoxication, withdrawal, and toxicity for psychoactive substances alone and in interactions with one another.
Explain the impact of chronic intoxication on cognitive abilities and find research that substantiates this information.
Explain the nature of physiological detoxification, homeostatic dynamics and indicators of recovery for each drug classification.
Demonstrate ability to access and coordinate research on psycho-physiological impact of drugs from various library research and text readings.