Beginner
Introduction to The Pharmacology of Common Substances of Abuse
A clinically focused, beginner-level course that introduces the pharmacology of substances commonly encountered in addiction and recovery settings. Emphasis is on translating receptor mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, tolerance/withdrawal, overdose risks, and evidence-based harm-reduction and medication-assisted interventions into practical clinical decision-making.
Lifetime accessCertificate of completion13 lessonsMobile & desktop
Harm ReductionAssessment & ScreeningOpioidsPolysubstance Use
$20CAD
2 CEU hrs
What you'll learn
Explain how common drugs produce their acute effects via receptor and transporter mechanisms and how pharmacokinetics (onset, half-life, routes) shape clinical presentation
Identify the physiologic basis and typical timelines of withdrawal syndromes and recognize acute toxicity/overdose signs for key substances
Apply pharmacologic knowledge to risk assessment, harm reduction, and treatment planning, including basics of naloxone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, methadone, and nicotine replacement
Communicate medication interactions and safety concerns with prescribers and educate clients/families about expected effects, withdrawal timelines, and overdose prevention
