Course Description: In this HYBRID RXPP 605 & 609 class will continue our study of psychopharmacological considerations and treatment in special populations. In today’s class, emphasis is on the biopsychosocial treatment of Substance Use Disorders (SUDS). This course gives a broad overview of the principles of Addiction Medicine. Addiction is a primary, chronic, neurobiological disease, with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. Addiction is characterized by behaviors that include one or more of the following: impaired control over drug use, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and craving. Strong emphasis is placed upon identifying the dopaminergic “reward system” in the brain’s limbic area. Basic science and core concepts include brain reward circuitry, epidemiology and the neurobiology and neuro-imaging (PET, SPECT, FMRI) of addictive disorders. Nine drug groups will be discussed in detail: ethanol, opioids, nicotine, marijuana, sedative/hypnotics, stimulants, hallucinogens/club drugs, inhalants and anabolic steroids. Within each group we will review the drug pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicities as well as management of intoxication and withdrawal.
This course is congruent with the College of Education's Conceptual Framework in that it provides a general knowledge background, addresses assessment competencies, and integrates content knowledge and professional knowledge
Day Objectives: Students will:
1. List at least 4 elements of the biopsychosocial model of addiction.
2. List the 11, DSM5 criteria, which define a substance use disorder.
3. List at least 3 overall costs of the use of the illicit drugs in the work place.
4. Identify 5 biopsychosocial elements of alcohol use disorders.
5. Identify 5 biopsychosocial elements of opiate use disorder including the historic and present sources of opium, heroin, morphine, methadone, and Fentanyl.
6. Identify 5 biopsychosocial elements of stimulant use disorders, including amphetamines, cocaine, over the counter sympathomimetics and herbal stimulants.
7. Identify 5 biopsychosocial elements of sedative/hypnotic use disorders.
8. Identify 5 biopsychosocial elements of nicotine use disorder and the increasing use of e-cigarettes.
9. Identify 3 biopsychosocial elements of hallucinogenic use disorders including peyote, marijuana and LSD.
10. Identify 3 biopsychosocial elements of inhalant abuse of volatile substances, anesthetics and nitrites.
11. Identify 3 biopsychosocial elements of anabolic steroid abuse.
12. List the 3 top diagnoses of chronic diseases in New Mexico’s Medical Cannabis program.
13. List 5 adverse effects in each of the 8 drug classes noted above; and be able to list 3 symptoms of intoxication and withdrawal to probable drug of abuse.
14. List 2 alternative therapies used in the treatment of addictions.
15. List 3 specific steps to assist with and 3 dangers in detoxification with patients addicted alcohol, sedative/hypnotics and opioids.
16. Identify the criteria to determine when alcohol detoxification can occur at home and when hospitalization is suggested.
17. List 4 medications which are used to treat cravings.
18. List 3 approved medications to treat opioid dependence.
19. List 3 common pitfalls in drug testing.