Intermediate
Psychopharmacology of Substance Use - Drugs and the Brain
A 7-hour intermediate-level course providing in-depth exploration of how substances affect brain chemistry and function. Covers the mechanisms of depressants, stimulants, and nicotine, the neurobiology of tolerance and dependence, and the disease model of addiction. This course equips Canadian recovery practitioners with advanced neuroscientific knowledge to inform clinical decision-making, understand patient experiences, and support evidence-based treatment planning in diverse Canadian healthcare settings.
Lifetime accessCertificate of completion21 lessonsMobile & desktop
Pharmacology & NeuroscienceNicotine/TobaccoStimulants
$70CAD
7 CEU hrs
What you'll learn
Explain the structure and function of neurons, neurotransmitters, and receptors in substance-related changes
Describe the dopamine reward pathway and how different drug classes affect brain chemistry
Analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying tolerance, dependence, and addiction
Apply neurobiology concepts to understand patient behaviours and treatment responses
Utilize DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to differentiate substance use disorder severity
