This course provides a comprehensive analysis of the neuroscience of substance abuse. This is a lecture course with seminar-style student presentations and group discussions. The lecture portion of the course emphasizes basic principles of neuropharmacology, distribution and elimination of drugs, drug-receptor interactions and dose-response relationships, structure of neurons, neurophysiological mechanisms involved in synaptic activity, and the distribution of specific neurotransmitter systems. With a focus on pharmacokinetics, research methodology, and addiction processes, the mechanism of drug action as a basis for evaluation of behavioral functions will be explored. The seminar portion of the course will focus on the neurobiological actions of specific drug classes, including stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and opioids. |