SW 6741 - The Use and Misuse of Psychoactive Medications and their Effects

This course is designed to inform social work students about psychoactive medications. Both the use and misuse of psychoactive medications are discussed. Basic neurochemistry as it relates to psychoactive drug use is be discussed. Basic actions of the drugs, expected effects and unwanted effect of the medications are also described. The concepts of tolerance, dependence, abuse and addiction is differentiated. Additional information is provided about the use of medications to treat addiction.