This survey course provides students with an overview of addictive substances and behaviours and the physiological and psychological effects on the body and mind. Students will review the functioning of the healthy brain and be introduced to the functioning of the brain damaged by addictive behaviour and trauma, how genetics and the environment contribute to the development of addictive behaviours, specific psychoactive drugs and concurrent disorders. Prerequisite: Foundations of Counselling CNSK 1402
Course code: CNSK 1415
Credits: 1.0
Tuition: $0*
Length: 22 hours
Additional Information
- Definition and classification of psychoactive drugs
- Levels of use
- DSM IV definitions of substance abuse and dependence
- The biopsychology of drugs
- Routes of administration
- Structure and function of the brain
- Neuroanatomy and the neurophysiologic action of drugs
- Tolerance and withdrawal
- Dependence
- The addicted brain
- Theories of addiction
- Diathesis stress theory
- Compulsion curves
- Adverse childhood events
- Classification of major depressants: opiates and sedatives.
- The action of depressant drugs on the nervous system
- The use, effects, pharmacology and treatment of depressant misuse
- The action of stimulant drugs on the nervous system
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- The use, effects and treatment of stimulant misuse
- Hallucinogens
- Action of hallucinogens on the nervous system
- Psychological effects of hallucinogens
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
- Cannabis
- The use, effects and treatment of hallucinogen misuse
- Medical marijuana.
- Definition and prevalence of concurrent disorders
- Overview of mental health disorders
- Assessing the relationship between psychiatric and substance use disorders
- Models of causation in concurrent disorders
- Defining compulsive behaviour: the “components” model of addiction.
- Problem gambling
- Eating disorders
- Shopping, sex and internet addiction
Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR)
Simon Fraser University - Psychopharmacology Psych383
At the discretion of the program coordinator
How do I apply for this course?
This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
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