Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 
    
2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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PSY 230W - Psychology of Substance Abuse

Credits: 3
Examines current theories explaining the origins and prevalence of substance abuse. Provides an overview of psychoactive drugs and the effects they have on the brain, thinking, and behavior. Compares contemporary approaches to substance abuse and addiction treatment.

Prerequisite(s): PSY 211W  with grade of “C” or better
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 45 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: Social Science
Pass/NoCredit: Yes

Outcomes and Objectives
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the history and classification of psychoactive drugs.
    1. Explain the course of development through time that drugs have taken.
    2. Explain the classification system of psychoactive drugs.
  2. Assess the roles that heredity and environment play in psychoactive drugs.
    1. Describe how psychoactive drugs affect us physiologically.
    2. Describe the theories of addiction.
    3. Examine of the levels of drug use.
  3. Assess the psychological and physiological effects of stimulants, opiates, opioids, sedatives-hypnotics, and alcohol.
    1. Identify the classification and effects of stimulants.
    2. Identify the classification and effects of opiates/opoids.
    3. Identify the classification and effects of sedatives-hypnotics.
    4. Identify the classification and effects of alcohol.
  4. Assess the classification and effects of psychedelics, inhalants, therapeutic drugs, and miscellaneous drugs.
    1. Describe the classification and effects of the many kinds of hallucinogens.
    2. Describe the classification and effects of inhalants.
    3. Describe the therapeutic drugs and the many miscellaneous drugs.
  5. Assess the different prevention methods.
    1. Discuss the concept of prevention.
    2. Identify and describe the different preventive methods.
    3. Discuss challenges to prevention.
  6. Assess the broad range of treatment techniques used in substance abuse.
    1. Define detoxification; abstinence; recovery; individual, group and family therapy.
  7. Use writing tasks to promote learning.
    1. Practice critical writing skills within the subject.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge of subject matter.



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