© Epidemiology of Substance Abuse
Course Description:
Students will study the incidence of drug use and abuse in society, the pharmacology of selected
drugs, and the principles of altering one's state of consciousness. Alternatives to substance
abuse and approaches to prevention and community resources will be studied. Specific topics
covered include the physiology of drug action; depressants; stimulants; hallucinogens; marijuana;
prescription drugs; over the counter drugs; and drug abuse prevention.
Required Texts:
Goldberg, Ray (2006). Drugs Across the Spectrum (5th Edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth
Publishing Co.
Educational Objectives:
After completing this course the student will be able to:
•Relate drug use to dimensions of holistic health.
•Identify the historical, cultural, and legal considerations relevant to controlled substance abuse in
our society.
•Understand the nature of substance use and abuse.
•Explain the immediate and long-term effects of substance use and abuse.
•Describe various treatment and prevention approaches utilized in our society.
•Demonstrate the ability to make good choice in their personal use of substances.
•Identify specific actions that can be taken by individuals and society to reduce and prevent the
drug abuse.
•Describe the physiological and psychological effects resulting from the use, misuse and abuse of
drugs.
•Describe the function of attitudes and values in use, misuse, and abuse of drugs.
Course Requirements:
Course requirements include (1) completion of three short answer/essay exams and (2) the
development of a paper and a presentation.
Additional information regarding Course Requirements can be found under the "Assignments"
tag.
Due Dates:
Due Dates for the exams are shown on the assignments page.
Honor System Policies:
All students are bound to the VPI & SU Honor System, which is outlined in the current University
Policies for Student Life manual.
Syllabus
Course Documents
Course Description:
Students will study the incidence of drug use and abuse in society, the pharmacology of selected
drugs, and the principles of altering one's state of consciousness. Alternatives to substance
abuse and approaches to prevention and community resources will be studied. Specific topics
covered include the physiology of drug action; depressants; stimulants; hallucinogens; marijuana;
prescription drugs; over the counter drugs; and drug abuse prevention.
Required Texts:
Goldberg, Ray (2006). Drugs Across the Spectrum (5th Edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth
Publishing Co.
Educational Objectives:
After completing this course the student will be able to:
•Relate drug use to dimensions of holistic health.
•Identify the historical, cultural, and legal considerations relevant to controlled substance abuse in
our society.
•Understand the nature of substance use and abuse.
•Explain the immediate and long-term effects of substance use and abuse.
•Describe various treatment and prevention approaches utilized in our society.
•Demonstrate the ability to make good choice in their personal use of substances.
•Identify specific actions that can be taken by individuals and society to reduce and prevent the
drug abuse.
•Describe the physiological and psychological effects resulting from the use, misuse and abuse of
drugs.
•Describe the function of attitudes and values in use, misuse, and abuse of drugs.
Course Requirements:
Course requirements include (1) completion of three short answer/essay exams and (2) the
development of a paper and a presentation.
Additional information regarding Course Requirements can be found under the "Assignments"
tag.
Due Dates:
Due Dates for the exams are shown on the assignments page.
Honor System Policies:
All students are bound to the VPI & SU Honor System, which is outlined in the current University
Policies for Student Life manual.
Syllabus
Course Documents