ACD 242 - Pharmacology and Physiology of Alcohol and Drugs

4.0 Credits
Identifies pharmacological, physiological effects of psychoactive substances; how effects are produced; treatment methods for chronic conditions and drug interactions. Prerequisite: ACD 140 or concurrent enrollment in ACD 140 or instructor’s permission.

Course Objectives
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. [REASON]
Explain the fundamental pharmacological properties of each drug classification and the mechanics of their entry and impact throughout the body and brain. [REASON]
Explain common medical, psychological and cognitive conditions that may precede, coexist or be created by drug misuse,and which mimic intoxication, toxicity and withdrawal. [REASON]
Identify physical, pharmacological and psychological implications and symptoms of intoxication, withdrawal, and toxicity for each and all psychoactive substances alone and in interactions with one another. [REASON]
Explain the impact of chronic intoxication on cognitive abilities and find research that substantiates this information. [REASON]
Explain the nature of physiological detoxification, homeostatic dynamics and indicators of recovery for each drug classification. [REASON]
Demonstrate ability to access and coordinate research on psycho-physiological impact of drugs from various library research and text readings. [REASON]