COURSE DESCRIPTION

PSY 507 will give the student an understanding of the basic principles underlying the use of drugs and related psychotropic substances to modify behavior and experience. Included will be a historical overview of the use of drugs in medical, social and psychological situations and the potential results. Counseling approaches will be explored and evaluated.

COURSE GOALS

• The student will develop an understanding of the physiological effects of a variety of drugs
  

• The student will become familiar with the symptoms of drug use, interactions, and abuse
  

• The student will learn drug treatment approaches and the potential effectiveness of drug aided therapy
  

COURSE EXPECTATIONS AND EVALUATION

The student will write a short summary of each Textbook chapter

PROJECT

The student will read the assigned texts and prepare a professional paper of at least 18-20 pages summarizing information in areas to include:

• The History and Development of common drugs
  

• Physiological and Psychological effects of common drugs
  

• Depressive drugs such as Alcohol
  

• Stimulants such as caffeine
  

• Anti Depressants, Opiates, Tranquilizes, Psychedelics, Marijuana
  

• Drug use in the treatment of Mental Illness
  

• Therapeutic approaches to drug abusers
  

• Counseling approaches and effectiveness
  

• Social Implications of drug abuse – legal and illegal
  

A proposal will be submitted to the instructor, and approved, before the paper is written.

COURSE PREREQUISITE: A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for admission to this course of study. 

COURSE DELIVERY: This course shall be delivered completely through online interaction via the Internet or other acceptable distance learning medium(s). Due to this being a non-traditional program, traditional classroom residency is not required. Therefore, you are expected to independently read and analyze the subject matter with me performing the roles of an advisor and mentor.