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Substance Use and Misuse


Course Description

Overview of the psychological, social, and physiological factors influencing the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) in the US. Designed for professionals in social work, education, counseling, healthcare, and law, it examines recent trends and reasons behind substance use behaviors. Explores public health strategies for prevention and intervention.


Athena Title

Substance Use and Misuse


Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in HPRB 5210E


Prerequisite

BIOL 1103 or BIOL 1103E or BIOL 2103H or BIOL 2103S or BIOL 1107 or BIOL 1107E or BIOL 2107H or HPRB 1710 or HPRB 1710E or permission of department


Semester Course Offered

Offered every year.


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Student learning Outcomes

  • Review historical trends in ATOD use patterns in the United States
  • Describe various theories of ATOD use and/or dependence
  • Explain the potential effects of ATOD use on health and social well-being
  • Distinguish between ATOD misuse, abuse, and dependence
  • Analyze risk reduction and prevention approaches to ATOD misuse, abuse, or dependence
  • Evaluate the match between risk reduction and prevention strategies to select populations
  • Identify various media, websites, and other sources of knowledge related to ATOD

Topical Outline

  • Introduction a. Drugs: Defining the problem
  • Drugs: Consequences
  • Social Ecology of Drug Use a. Regulating drugs
  • Enforcement
  • Physiology of Drug Use
  • Gateway Drugs a. Alcohol b. Tobacco c. Marijuana
  • Adolescents and Huffing
  • Stimulants and Caffeine
  • Depressants and Inhalants
  • Dietary Supplements and Over-the Counter
  • Opioids
  • Hallucinogens
  • Performance Enhancing Drugs
  • Social Ecological Framework
  • Preventing Substance Abuse
  • Neighborhoods and Tobacco Use
  • Substance Use Prevention - Common Theories
  • Policy and Adolescent Substance Abuse Prevention
  • College ATOD Use Prevention
  • Medication for Mental Disorders
  • Treating Substance Abuse and Dependence
  • Drug Courts

Syllabus