PSY 3035A BIOPSYCH. OF DRUG ADDICTION
This seminar-based course will cover current research regarding the biopsychological bases of drug use and addiction. Relying on both human and animal studies, the course will discuss a variety of issues related to the use of and addiction to various recreational drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin, MDMA ("ecstasy"), nicotine, and methamphetamine. The specific topics will include a discussion of the neural bases of drug use, abuse, and addiction, the alterations that occur within the brain as a result of drug use, the phenomena of drug craving, withdrawal, and tolerance, the neuropsychological consequences of drug use, abuse, and addiction, and potential avenues for the treatment of drug addiction disorders. Students are expected to participate fully in class discussions in a vibrant and sophisticated manner. Although intended as an upper-level elective in Psychology, the instructor will allow any student with the appropriate academic background to take this course. (PREREQUISITIE: PSY 2004 PHYSIOLOGICAL BASES OF BEHAVIOR or equivalent).