SWK 471 Understanding Substances and Their Effects
(3-0-3) This course examines the pharmacological, psychological, and social effects of commonly abused substances. Students will explore major drug categories, including depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, opioids, and other substances of misuse, with an emphasis on mechanisms of action, patterns of use, and physiological and behavioral outcomes. The course also addresses drug scheduling, routes of administration, tolerance, dependence, and special considerations for populations such as adolescents, aging adults, and gender differences.