PSYCÂ 0150. Alcohol, Drugs and Society
Units: 3
Formerly known as PSYC 50
Hours: 54 lecture
The use, misuse, and abuse of all major families of psychoactive drugs, including opioids, stimulants, tobacco, marijuana, hallucinogens, alcohol, psychotherapeutic drugs, and sedative-hypnotics. Topics covered include cross-cultural usage, theories of addiction and treatment, government regulation, and mechanisms of drug action. (CSU)
PSYC 0150 - Alcohol, Drugs and Society
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/psyc-0150/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Formerly known as PSYC 50 Hours: 54 lecture Description: The use, misuse, and abuse of all major families of psychoactive drugs, including opioids, stimulants, tobacco, marijuana, hallucinogens, alcohol, psychotherapeutic drugs, and sedative-hypnotics. Topics covered include cross-cultural usage, theories of addiction and treatment, government regulation, and mechanisms of drug action. (CSU) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Distinguish between the actions of the major classes of psychoactive drugs. Critically evaluate the history of drug regulation in the United States. Compare and contrast past and present drug treatment and drug prevention approaches and analyze their effectiveness. Course Content Outline I. Introduction A. definition of terms B. collection of data C. recent research findings, including risk and protective factors associated with drug use and abuse D. government regulation of drugs II. Pharmacodynamics A. review of brain structures and neurotransmitter systems B. routes of administration C. measures of safety margins D. types of tolerance E. types of dependence III. Sedative-Hypnotics A. scale and mechanisms of depressant action in the CNS B. pre-20th century sedatives C. barbiturates D. tranquilizers E. benzodiazepines F. inhalants and miscellaneous sedatives IV. Alcohol A. history of alcohol production and use B. distillation and its consequences C. types of alcoholic beverages D. effects of alcohol on the body E. effects of alcohol on the brain F. temperance and prohibition movements in America G. other efforts to control alcohol intake H. models of alcoholism and relevant therapies V. Opioids A. history of opioid use B. smoking opium and the Opium Wars C. 19th century opioid use in the U.S. D. anti-opioid legislation and the beginning of the war on drugs E. models of opioid addiction and relevant therapies VI. Marijuana/Cannabis A. botany and pharmacology of cannabis B. neurochemistry of cannabinoids, and the role of endogenous cannabinoids C. history and cross-cultural usage of cannabis D. history and cost of U.S. attempts at regulation E. government commissions to investigate cannabis F. consequences of cannabis use G. cannabis as a social/medical issue VII. Hallucinogens A. classification and neurochemistry of hallucinogens B. cross-cultural usage C. history of LSD, and usage in therapy D. MDMA (Ecstasy) E. PCP VIII. Stimulants A. classification of stimulants B. nicotine and arecoline C. methylxanthines (khat, caffeine, etc.) D. amphetamines E. cocaine IX. Psychotherapeutic Drugs A. Common psychological disorders in the DSM 5 B. Drugs used to treat psychological symptoms 1. antidepressants 2. antipsychotics 3. anti-anxiety X. Over The Counter (OTC) and Other Drugs A. analgesics B. herbal remedies C. anabolic steroids D. weight-control drugs XI. Drug Treatment A. Evidence-based practices B. detoxification practices for specific drugs C. outcome data for various treatments XII. Drug Prevention A. history of prevention programs and what we have learned B. evidence-based practices C. primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention programs Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. Describe the historical use of drugs worldwide and the changes that have taken place. 2. List and describe risk and protective factors associated with drug use and abuse. 3. Explain the biological explanations for drug use and dependency. 4. Describe and explain the genetic factors associated with drug use. 5. Describe how the American Psychiatric Association has categorized psychiatric disorders, and outline the categories of psychotherapeutic drugs used to treat these disorders. 6. Explain how physical and psychological dependence influence drug use. 7. Compare and contrast the psychoactive effects of major drug groups. 8. Critically analyze various drug control policies in the U.S. at the federal and state levels. 9. Discuss treatment options and problems. Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Problem Solving Examinations Reading Assignments 1. Read the textbook chapter on caffeine, and be prepared to discuss the use of energy drinks and potential risks among those under 18 years old. 2. Read the chapter on "How Drugs Work" and be prepared to discuss the benefits and disadvantages of each method of administration (oral, inhalation, intravenous injection, intramuscular injection, topical). Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Write a paragraph encapsulating your arguments for where a new drug should be scheduled. Assume this new drug is a non-addictive alcohol, but with the same intoxicating properties as ethanol. Consider the defining characteristics of each schedule level in your arguments. Grading determined by a rubric. 2. Find a reputable, empirical online source on the use of hallucinogenic drugs as an add-on treatment to psychotherapy to address PTSD OR end of life issues. Summarize the evidence to date on the drug's benefits as an add-on treatment. Discuss the potential risks of using the drug as a form of therapy. In your opinion, should the drug be legalized as a form of treatment for certain populations? Why or why not? Grading using a rubric. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...PSY 110 PSYC 0100 PSY 115 PSYC 0106...0130 ARTH 130 ARHI 0150 ARTH 140 ARHI...
