PSYC - 345. Drugs and Human Behavior

3 credit(s)
This course examines the actions of psychoactive drugs on brain and behavior. Drugs of abuse and psychotherapeutic drugs are given about equal emphasis. Drug use as a social problem is examined in historical and current perspectives, covering substances such as narcotics, stimulants, hallucinogens, marijuana, and alcohol. Drugs of abuse are examined with regard to their mechanisms of action, effects on the body and on behavior. Addiction and treatment approaches are examined from multiple perspectives. Medicines for psychological disorders (affective, anxiety, schizophrenia) are studied by examining the mechanisms of drug action on the brain; major and minor tranquilizers and antidepressant medications are covered. Also discussed are “non-drug” drugs caffeine and nicotine.

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.
Attribute: (ATTR: ARTS, HSMR, JMN)