OVERVIEW

Drugs of Abuse. Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substances is organized by ACTS Consulting, Inc.

Course Description:
This course will begin with an overview of the study of pharmacology and the physiological systems impacted by substance use. It is important for counselors to understand the direct connection between psychoactive substance use, brain functioning, and dependence. Dependence on a substance is understood to be a brain disease characterized by an individual’s inability to control his/her thoughts of and intake of psychoactive substances. It develops after psychoactive substances are repetitively consumed and the brain readjusts to their constant presence. The amount of a specific psychoactive substance that an individual can consume before becoming dependent is highly individualized. This threshold is influenced by the individual’s brain chemistry, genetics, overall health, co-occurring mental health disorders, and environment. Understanding the course of addiction and the effects of psychoactive substances on the human body will allow providers to more effectively treat and work with their clients.