Course Description

This course focuses on the effects of psychoactive drugs and compulsive behaviours on the human body. Students will learn the major classes of abused substances and how they act on the brain and the body through the various stages of abuse/dependence and recovery. Students examine the clinical signs, symptoms and behaviours that may be indicative of psychoactive drug use, abuse, dependence and the implications for treatment and prevention planning. Students will also be introduced to the most common medical interventions for treating addiction and co-occurring disorders.

In addition, students will learn about the history of drug use based on five historical themes and the progression of drug laws and public policy in Canada and the United States.