HE 152 Drugs, Society and Behavior

This course is designed to introduce the student to the social reality of drug use and drug users. We will study the historical significance and social construction of drug use, users, abuse, addiction and treatment options. We will explore the relationships between individual and group behavior and their relationship to society.

Credits

3

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Evaluate the process of the social construction of drug use as a social problem
2. Communicate the biological, psychological, and sociological theories that seek to explain drug using behavior; including an analysis of their basic assumptions, limitations, and implications for social policy
3. Describe trends, patterns, and types of drug use in society
4. Compare and contrast various drugs, both legal and illegal, used in American society, as well as the social reality that surrounds their use
5. Analyze the various social responses (policies, enforcement, treatment) to drug use, its behavior, and cultural and social structural factors
6. Communicate the potential disease risks and outcomes of drug use and addiction
7. Describe the interacting dimensions of environmental, physical, mental, emotional, social, intellectual and occupational health
8. Apply scientific reasoning and independent critical thinking skills when analyzing evidence and non-evidence based research on drug and health information