Psychology 

245- Drugs and Behavior

Instructor- Robert L. Hakan

Psychoactive Drugs: An Overview

The nervous system- Nuts and Bolts

: The Central Nervous System and Neural transmission

1. The Peripheral Nervous system

2. The Central Nervous System (CNS)

3. Neurotransmitters: The Chemistry of Thought and Emotion

Psychopharmacology: An Emerging Science

1. Basic Principles

2. Methodology: Rats, Double Blinds and Placebos

3. Ethical Issues in Drug Research

Exam 1: c.; Readings: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5

II. The Grand Tour: The Major Psychoactive Drugs

Discussion of the history, mechanism of action, medical and psychotherapeutic uses, physiological and psychological effects of the following drug groups:

Stimulants- Cocaine and Amphetamine

Nicotine

Depressants: Alcohol, Barbiturates and Sedatives, GHB

C. Psychiatric drugs: Major and Minor Tranquilizers, Antidepressants

D. Over-The-Counter drugs, Miscellaneous Prescription drugs, Herbal Preparations

Exam 2: Readings: Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, & 14

III. The Tour (continued)

Marijuana

Hallucinogens Indoles-

Other Hallucinogens

Opiates

Additional Readings:

Drug Use as a Social Phenomenon

A. The Social Context of Drug Use

B. Social and Personality Correlates

C. Mechanisms of Use and Dependence

D. Therapy and Social Control of Abuse

FINAL EXAM: Readings: Chapters 10, 11, 12, 15, & 16

The final exam will be comprehensive, but will focus on the readings and lectures of Units III & IV