Substance Abuse

This course provides a comprehensive overview of substance abuse, substance use disorders, drug use, and addiction. The course examines the biological, psychological, and societal effects of drug use. Emphasis is placed on drug use in modern society and how drugs work on the body, as well as detailed breakdowns of specific drugs and types, such as uppers and downers, alcohol, familiar drugs, and restricted drugs. The course also discusses prevention and harm reduction. 

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of substance use, abuse, and dependence, including terminology, theories, and models of abuse and dependence. 
• Identify demographics of drug use and dependence, cost and impact on society, screening and diagnosis, and details of the history of drug policy in the United States. 
• Classify and categorize drugs and recognize how they work in the body.  
• Recall and interpret pharmacological and neurophysiological principles. 
• Recognize, compare, and contrast classes and types of drugs including: stimulants, depressants and inhalants, medication for mental disorders, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, dietary supplements and over-the-counter drugs, opioids, psychedelics, cannabis, and performance-enhancing drugs. 
• Identify, determine, and interpret models and programs to prevent substance abuse.  
• Compare and evaluate the outcomes of methods to treat substance use disorders. 

Title: Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior, 18th Edition, McGraw Hill Textbook

If you are struggling with a term or concept, you can utilize the links below to search for the concept or term to find additional resources and explanations.

[Link Removed]

Khan Academy

Diversion Control Divison

Drug Enforcement Administration

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Narconon Drug Rehabilitation

Osmosis

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Gateway Education is committed to the belief that every individual should have an equal opportunity in education. Gateway Education seeks to assure access by providing accommodations to individuals with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). Accommodation includes, but is not limited to: aids or modification to courses, materials, or testing; and other services that allow better access by individuals with disabilities.

Individuals requesting accommodation should submit a request in writing or in an alternative format appropriate for their limitations. The request should include documentation of the disability, including information with recommendations of appropriate accommodation. Once eligibility has been established, accommodations must be requested on a course-by-course basis.

Requests can sent to the student services department at [email protected]