Oct 31, 2025  
2017-2018 Course Catalog 
    
Catalog Navigation
  Catalog Home
  Introduction to Century College
  Mission, Vision, Values

  College Calendar

  Course Descriptions and Outlines
  Programs (Century Academic Pathway)
  Programs (Department)
  Programs (A-Z)

  Academic Policies and Program Requirements
  Admissions and Registration
  Application for Admission
  Student Services and Resources
  Student Handbook
  Transfer

  Continuing Education and Customized Training
  College Administration and Faculty
  Maps and Directions
  Archived Catalogs
  My Portfolio
HELP
2017-2018 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Facebook this Page (opens a new window)
Tweet this Page (opens a new window)
Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)

ADCO 1030 - Pharmacology of Addiction Counseling

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture NoneLab None
Course Description: This course is an overview of the basics of pharmacology as applied to various classifications of mood altering chemicals. It is also an examination of the central nervous system and drug/neurotransmitter interactions. The course examines substance abuse, detoxification, withdrawal, drug interaction, and dynamics of addiction. The course meets academic coursework criteria of Minnesota Statute 2005 Chapter 148c, Subdivision 5a, Area 2: “pharmacology of substance abuse disorders and the dynamics of addiction.”
MnTC Goals
None

Prerequisite(s): ADCO 1020  or consent of instructor.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content
  1. How drugs affect us The brain The nervous system Physiological response to drugs
  2. Addiction process Neurophysiology, neurotransmitters and the nervous system The neuron The synapse Neurotransmitters The nervous system
  3. Basic pharmacology What is a drug Name of drugs Describing dosages Drug interaction Excretion, absorption, and metabolism
  4. Brain imaging of drug effects
  5. Symptoms, how used, dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, drug interaction of: Cocaine Amphetamines Opioid /narcotics Benzodiazepine Barbiturates Hallucinogens Cannabis Psychotopic medication Alcohol 6 . Tolerance, withdrawal Tolerance Mechanism of tolerance Withdrawal symptoms and physical dependence

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course students will be able to:

  1. Identify the effects of alcohol and drugs on different parts of the brain.
  2. Explain addiction as related to the basics of pharmacology.
  3. Describe the neurotransmitters that are affected by alcohol and drugs.
  4. Recognize common drug interaction signs and withdrawal symptoms.
  5. Describe the metabolism and excretion processes of alcohol and drugs.
  6. Articulate how specific behavioral and physical signs and symptoms manifest themselves in the addiction process.
  7. Analyze the ethics of taking and using any drugs (methadone, Ritalin, over-the-counter drugs, etc.) as a challenge to one’s sobriety.
  8. Explain how various drugs interact when combined either legally or illegally.


Courses and Registration


Facebook this Page (opens a new window)
Tweet this Page (opens a new window)
Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)