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The Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol online course, taught by a Certified Office of Behavioral Health Instructor, offers a research-backed exploration of how substances interact with the body and brain. Throughout this pharmacology course, students will develop a strong foundation in key pharmacological terms, including withdrawal, tolerance, half-life, pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, and pharmacodynamics.

By understanding these concepts as well as the core principles of pharmacology, participants will gain a rigorous understanding of the various routes of transmission for substances and drug interactions, as well as their effects on brain anatomy and chemistry. In this pharmacology course, students study the fundamental principles of pharmacology that are critical in explaining the role of neurotransmitters in the development and maintenance of addictive disorders.

The pharmacology course goes beyond basic principles or just theory for an introduction to drugs and their adverse effects, offering a detailed examination of the bio-psycho-social impact of different substance categories, including the drug action of stimulants, CNS depressants, hallucinogens, cannabis, and club drugs. Students will also evaluate clinical pharmacology and drug testing methods to be able to discuss effective treatment interventions, including medication-assisted treatment.

The pharmacology course also emphasizes the importance of medical pharmacology language used by healthcare professionals, reducing stigma around current treatment and PMH (past medical history), addressing shame when working with individuals struggling with substance use disorders, and helping to foster empathy and understanding in clinical practice.

For interested students, passing this introductory pharmacology course will satisfy the requirements for the two Office of Behavioral Health Pharmacology courses that are required for Certified Addictions Technician (CAT) and Certified Addictions Specialist (CAS), or can be applied towards their CAS or CAT.

Approximate return on investment for each academic pathway beyond our pharmacology courses

After taking the pharmacology course and developing a foundation in drug and alcohol pharmacology, you can immediately enter the workforce or continue on to a degree through º£½ÇÉçÇø and increase your earning potential.

Pathway 1: Complete the Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol course and immediately enter the pharmacology workforce.

• The median salary is $32,000 a year.

Pathway 2: Continue your education with an advanced career path by earning a bachelor’s degree in Human Services at º£½ÇÉçÇø. The Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol course can count toward the required courses.

• The median salary is $47,000 a year.

Pathway 3: Enhance your earning power with º£½ÇÉçÇø’s Master of Science in Clinical Behavioral Health. The Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol course can count toward the degree’s required courses.

• The median salary is $67,000 a year.