ADCS 105

Physiology & Pharmacology

50 HoursCertificate Program
Neurobiology of AddictionDrug Classifications & DEA SchedulesDisease Model of AddictionGender Differences in Substance Use

Course Overview

This 50-hour module provides a thorough study of the physiological and pharmacological effects of psychoactive substances on the human body and brain. Students explore behavioral and social ramifications of substance use, disease models of addiction, significant gender differences in substance metabolism, and the neurobiology underlying addiction. The course equips future counselors with the scientific foundation needed to understand how drugs work, why addiction develops, and how medications can support recovery.

What You'll Learn

Tolerance, cross-tolerance, and synergistic effects of substances
Physiological differences between males and females in substance metabolism
Disease model of addiction: signs, symptoms, research, AMA definition, and Jelinek's work
Communicable diseases associated with substance use: tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis, and others
Drug classification and schedules: generic and trade names, behavioral effects
Neurobiology of addiction: how substances affect brain chemistry and neural pathways
Body systems affected by substance use and long-term health consequences
DEA Schedules: understanding controlled substance classifications
Monoamine neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in addiction
Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT): current pharmacological interventions
Opioid crisis: pharmacology of opioids, overdose prevention, and naloxone administration
Stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and emerging synthetic substances

Part of the Full Certificate Program

This module is included in the full 635-hour SUD Counseling Studies certificate program. It is not available for individual purchase. Enroll in the complete program to access all modules and prepare for your IC&RC certification exam.