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NEUR 3914 - Neuroscience of Addiction
Spring 2020 (3 Credits)

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain on the molecular level to alter how it works. These changes can be long-lasting and can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who abuse drugs. This course provides an overview of the use, abuse, liability, and psychotherapeutic effects of drugs on humans. Topics include pharmacology, alcohol, sedatives, tobacco/nicotine, opioids, cannabinoids, psychostimulants, psychedelics, anti-anxiety, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.

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Prerequisites: NEUR 2025 and NEUR 2026, or Graduate Standing

Introduction to Addiction

  • Introduction and History of Drugs

  • Pharmacology

  • Drug Neuroscience

  • The Process of Addiction

 

Stimulants

  • Cocaine

  • Amphetamines

  • Phenylethlamines

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Psychedelics and Pharmaceuticals

  • Psychedelics

  • Antidepressants

  • Antipsychotics

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Commercially Available Drugs

  • Tobacco/Nicotine

  • Cannabinoids

  • Opioids

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Sedative Hypnotics

  • Barbituates / Benzodiazapines

  • Alcohol

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