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Pharmacology of Addiction is a Course

Pharmacology of Addiction

Ended Mar 11, 2019
2 credits

Full course description

Course runs from January 14 - March 10, 2019

Overview

In this eight week course you will be introduced to the field of psychopharmacology and how it relates to the field of addictions. Students will learn aspects of psychopharmacology such as classes of medications, methods of delivery, and explore the ethics and evidence-based practice models for medication assisted therapy (MAT).

This is a part of a series of courses taught to meet the requirements of WAC 246-811-077: Educational requirements to apply for chemical dependency certification with alternative training.

At the completion of this course, candidates will:

  1. Identify the medications used in medication assisted therapy (MAT) and common routes of administration and treatment philosophy behind the medications.  
  2. Summarize the strengths and weaknesses of the various MAT methods. 
  3. Evaluate social justice factors in prescribing to people with addictions (regarding stigma of disclosing addiction status) and the barriers that clients most often encounter from healthcare professionals. 
  4. Discuss the value of MAT methodology and the impact on community level addiction prevention efforts. 
  5. Apply MAT principles in treatment planning processes.
  6. Assess personal attitudes toward MAT and bring awareness to how this informs professional practice.  

 

Weekly Topics

Week 1: Introduction to Pharmacology

Week 2: Anatomy and Physiology of a Synapse

Week 3: Neurotransmitters

Week 4: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

Week 5: Cravings and Alcohol

Week 6: Alcohol Treatment

Week 7: Alternatives to Treatment & Diversity

Week 8: Wrap Up

 

Time Commitment

10-20 hours per week for 8 weeks

 

Required Texts

Capuzzi, D. & Stauffer, M. (2016). Foundations of addiction counseling (3rd Edition).  Pearson


Advanced Addiction Studies Program Overview

For additional information, please contact: professionallearning@seattleu.edu