PHARM 7012EX - Pharmacotherapy and other responses to drug problems

This course will provide an overview of the current approaches to the management of drug problems in the community, including the pharmacotherapy, population health approaches and the response of the legal system. Special attention is also paid to the future developments in drug treatment. Students will study the full range of treatments for drug problems, from management of overdoses with withdrawal to long term maintenance treatment and relapse prevention. Available pharmacotherapies used in the treatment of drug dependence will be the primary focus. At the community level, students will examine public health and legal responses to drug problems and look at what prevention and education strategies can be implemented to reduce alcohol and other drug problems in society. Students will gain an advanced level of understanding of the approaches to handle addiction. Development of academic writing skills and critical appraisal are goals to increase lifelong learning skills.