BH 101 Addiction Pharmacology and Physiology

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Explains how alcohol and other drugs are processed in the body and the brain (pharmacology). Includes information on the physiological effects of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) on the human body and the possible implications for the treatment and prevention of problems that arise from their use.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Compare the historical and cultural perspectives of AOD use and misuse.
Recognize and explain the effects of AOD on the body at all levels of intake with major focus on misuse and addictive levels of intake.
Describe human physiology on the neurological level and the effects of AOD on this physiology.
Identify the bio-psycho/social disease process of AOD disorders.
Explain the chemical physicological effects of AOD combinations.
Describe the effects of substance use disorders on the family.
Explaing the relationship of AOD and HIV disease.
Identify behavioral, medical and psychological disorders to co-existing substance use disorders.
Acknowledges context within which individual substance use disordered clents live.
Assess and describe how current client treatment service resources are utilized.

Content Outline
Overview of Historical and Cultural Perspectives on AOD

Human Physiology: The Body as a Unit
Human Psychology and Pharmacology
- Specific drug group effects
  - Chemical
  - Physiological
AOD properties and types
Blood AOD levels and behaviors
HIV and AOD
AOD and the brain
- Terminology
- Function
Effects of Disease Progression
- Biological
- Psychological
- Social
Components of Treatment
- Assessment
- Referral
- Treatment continuum
- Co-existing disorders
Resources and Internet
- Materials and literature
- Self-help
- Professionals
- Treatment programs