COED 684

COED 684: Psychopharmacology of Substance Use Disorders

Credit Hours: (3) Three hours lecture.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the neurobiological and pharmacological foundations of substance use and addictive behaviors. This course is required for the Certificate in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling. 

 

Detailed Description of Content of Course

Topics for this course will include, but are not limited to the following:

• A Brief History of Psychopharmacology
• Psychopharmacology in Counseling
• Neurobiology
• Pharmacology
• Critical Treatment Issues
• Ethical, Professional, & Cross-Cultural Issues
• Antidepressant Medications
• Antianxiety Medications
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Mood Stabilizers
• Substance Abuse and Medication Assisted Treatment
• Psychopharmacology for Adolescents, Adults, and Older Persons: Antidepressants, Antianxiety
• Drugs, and Stimulants
• Psychopharmacology for Adolescents, Adults, and Older Persons: Mood Stabilizers, Antipsychotics, and Medications for Other Disorders
• Psychopharmacology for Children and Adolescents
• Brain Stimulation Techniques
• Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Alternatives to Pharmacotherapy

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course will be taught synchronously online via zoom and include weekly discussion board assignments, the development of a drug classification mechanism chart, and the application of the drug mechanism chart to a series of case study vignettes that describe individuals with substance use disorders. A mid-term and a final exam will be uploaded into D2L.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to: 

1. Identify major neurotransmitters, brain systems, and mechanisms involved in addiction and substance use.
2. Differentiate between the neural mechanisms of various classes of psychoactive substances and behavioral addictions.
3. Explain the neurobiological changes associated with both acute and chronic substance use.
4. Describe the pharmacological actions, physiological effects, and withdrawal profiles of major drug classes.
5. Apply psychopharmacological knowledge to interpret clinical symptoms of substance use disorders.
6. Interpret and analyze case study vignettes to determine the most likely substances involved and their underlying neural processes and propose testing methods and clinical interventions for individuals with substance use disorders.
7. Evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of pharmacological and behavioral treatments for substance use disorders.
8. Construct a drug mechanism chart that compares key features of each substance class, including action, effects, and treatments.
9. Assess the clinical risks and public health implications of emerging novel substances and nonsubstance addictions.
10. Compare and contrast complementary approaches and alternatives to pharmacotherapy

 

Assessment Measures

Assessment measures for this course include but are not limited to:

Discussion Board Rubric

Drug Mechanism Chart and Case Study Vignettes Rubric

Multiple Choice and Essay Mid-Term Exam

Multiple Choice and Essay Final Exam

Attendance and Participation

 

Other Course Information

Required Textbooks:

Neukrug, E., & Britton, B. S. (2026). Psychopharmacology and brain transforming 

interventions: A guide for mental health professionals. Cognella.

Boccone, P. J. (2024). A counselor’s guide to psychopharmacology and alternative treatments.

Cognella.

Other Required Readings:

Posted in D2L

 

Review and Approval

December 3, 2025