SW 365 - Addiction Studies

Institution:

DePaul University

Subject:

Description:

Humans are an intensely curious species. This trait has led us to discover substances which make us feel calmer, more alert, more powerful, more connected to or more distant from our surroundings. Today we live with a wide array of drugs that affect mind and body. Whether we desire to feel light-headed, euphoric and relaxed or have our senses heightened there is a psychoactive drug available to alter our consciousness. Some of these drugs, such as alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and inhalants, are legal in our society. Others such as stimulants, narcotics, hallucinogens, anabolic steroids, and prescription drugs for mood disorders, are legally restricted. When used appropriately many of these substances have the capacity to enhance our lives. Inappropriate use, however, carries the risk of addiction - often accompanied by personal, social and economic decline. This is an introductory course in the field of addiction studies. In this course we will examine the relationship between drugs and behavior, the personal and social concerns of drug-taking behavior and how drugs work in the body and mind. Legal and legally restricted drugs as well as medical drugs will be discussed. We will also cover issues of prevention, treatment and education. By the end of this course students will understand (1) the differences between use, abuse and addiction to drugs; (2) the extent of substance abuse in the United States today; (3) the legal, social and cultural ramifications of substance abuse; (4) methods of treatment and prevention of substance abuse; (5) major classifications of addictive substances; and (6) how drugs work in mind and body. This course will be a mix of lecture, discussion, videos and other supplemental materials. In addition to their competence papers, students will work in small groups on projects related to addiction and will present their group's findings to the class. Competencies: A-3-X, H-2-A, H-3-F, S-2-C, S-3-B. Faculty: Robert Mills

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.depaul.edu

Phone Number:

(312) 362-8000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Quarter

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.