Reading Assignment for Section 2

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 2: The Science of Drugs and Addiction.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll dive into the science behind how drugs work in the body and their potential for addiction. You’ll uncover the fascinating ways drugs interact with the brain and how addiction develops at the neurobiological level. By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of commonly abused substances, strategies for preventing misuse, and the holistic approaches used to support addiction recovery.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 2: The Science of Drugs and Addiction

• SLO 1: Explain the pharmacological principles of drug action, including pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and the factors that influence drug effectiveness, safety, and addiction potential.
• SLO 2: Analyze the neurobiology of addiction, focusing on how drugs alter brain systems, neurotransmitter functions, and brain regions associated with reward, decision-making, and dependence.
• SLO 3: Evaluate the effects, risks, and societal challenges of commonly abused substances, including opioids, stimulants, hallucinogens, synthetic drugs, and prescription medications.
• SLO 4: Differentiate between prescription and illicit drugs in terms of regulation, misuse, and societal impact, and assess strategies for preventing abuse and addressing public health challenges.
• SLO 5: Assess comprehensive approaches to addiction treatment and rehabilitation, including medical, psychological, social, and harm-reduction strategies, and their role in supporting recovery.

You are welcome to print a copy of pages from this Open Educational Resource (OER) book for your personal use. Please note that mass distribution, commercial use, or the creation of altered versions of the content for distribution are strictly prohibited. This permission is intended to support your individual learning needs while maintaining the integrity of the material.

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