PSY 517
Alcohol and Chemical Substance Abuse
Online Course

PSY 517 Alcohol and Chemical Substance Abuse

3 Semester Units

Alcohol and Chemical Substance Abuse examines various drugs, drug-related issues, and alcohol through multiple lenses: historical, social, psychological, cultural, biological, and medical. Woven throughout the course is the idea that the effects of drugs and alcohol are as dependent upon individual users’ psychological and biological characteristics as they are on a drug’s specific properties. This course also explores substance misuse treatment and prevention.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Explain the various definitions of the term drug, and examine the history of drug use in the United States as well as key issues related to prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
  • Examine the effect of drugs on the nervous system and discuss the history of psychotherapeutic medications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the key elements of pharmacology, psychopharmacology, and new drug development.
  • Analyze current methods for assessment and treatment of substance use disorders and discuss the various drug prevention models.
  • Describe the different categories of drugs, their history, acute and chronic effects.
  • Demonstrate proficiency with academic writing related to alcohol and chemical substance abuse.

If you are interested in taking this course, please explore a degree or certificate program below:

> Explore Psychology Programs

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