‘Drugs’ is a word used to refer to medicines that can cure or arrest disease, alleviate symptoms, ease pain or provide other benefits. People consume drugs for a variety of reasons, and they affect people in many ways.
Understanding the influence of drugs on the nervous system is advantageous for various job roles, including in counselling, psychology, psychotherapy, social work, nursing, caring roles and other health professions.
Introduction to Psychopharmacology is a professional development program that will enhance your understanding of different types of drugs and how they affect human behaviour.
In this Psychopharmacology course, you will gain insights into the scope and nature of drugs, understand the effects of drugs on individuals and society, and learn about treatment and preventative education.
You will also explore a range of drugs, including legal and legally restricted drugs, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs.
On completion of this course, you will have a sound understanding of the short and long-term effects of various drugs and be equipped with the tools to help people overcome dependency.
Course Structure
Unit - Psychopharmacology - Drugs and Psychology
Unit 1 – Introduction
- Scope and nature of drugs; legal and illegal
- Amphetamine
- Cocaine
- Crack
- LSD
- Ritalin
- Steroids
- How heroin is used
- Medical consequences of chronic heroin abuse
- Names used for heroin
Unit 2 – Effects of Drugs on the Individual and Society
- Community acceptance
- Terminology
- Why people use drugs
- Addiction; how drugs work in the brain
- Central nervous system
- Physiological and psychological effects of drugs
- Alcohol effects
- Sedative effects
- Stimulant effects
- Hallucinogenics
- Psychological effects of drugs
Unit 3 – Legally Restricted Drugs: Stimulants and Narcotics
- Stimulants
- Symptoms of abuse
- How cocaine is abused
- How does cocaine effect the brain
- What adverse effects does cocaine have on health
- Added danger, coca ethylene
- Treatment options
- Scope of cocaine abuse
- Narcotics
- Abuse symptoms
- Forms and dangers
- Designer drugs
- Ecstasy pill
Unit 4 – Legally Restricted Drugs: Hallucinogens and Marijuana
- Effects of hallucinogens
- Symptoms of abuse
- LSD
- Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder
- Marijuana
- Effects of marijuana on the brain
- Symptoms of abuse, forms of marijuana and dangers
- Phencylidine (PCP)
- Symptoms of abuse, forms of PCP and dangers
Unit 5 – Legally Restricted Drugs: Steroids
- Steroids
- Symptoms of abuse, forms of steroids and dangers
Unit 6 – Legal Drugs: Alcohol
- Symptoms of abuse and dangers with alcohol
- Alcoholism
- Staying in control with alcohol
- Alcohol amnestic syndrome (Korsakoff’s syndrome)
- Treating Korsakoff’s syndrome)
- Alcohol and the developing brain
Unit 7 – Legal Drugs: Tobacco, Caffeine and Solvents
- Nicotine addiction
- Effects of nicotine on the circulatory system
- Caffeine
- Caffeine addiction
- Solvents (volatile solvent abuse): symptoms and dangers
Unit 8 – Prescription and Over-The-Counter Drugs
- Prescription drugs (Over the counter or OTC)
- Groups of prescription drugs
- Misuse of OTC drugs
- Opioids
- Treatments for opioid addiction
- CNS depressants
- Stimulants
- Stimulant abuse and treatment for stimulant addiction
Unit 9 – Sedatives and Anti-Anxiety Drugs
- Anti-anxiety drugs
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Depressants
- Rohypnol
Unit 10 – Prescription Drugs for Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Onset of schizophrenia
- Symptoms of schizophrenia
- Treatment for schizophrenia
- Anti psychotic drugs
- Patient support system
- Depression
- Depressive disorders
- Type of depression
- Unipolar disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Causes of depression
- Anti depressants
Unit 11 – Treatment and Preventative Education
- Drug addiction behavioural and psychosocial treatments for drug addiction
- Treatments for heroin addiction
- Behavioural therapies for heroin addiction
- Detoxification
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
Easy going. Well structured assignments
N. Thomas, Devonport, TAS | Certificate of Psychopharmacology Drugs and Psychology
Easy to learn, bite sized materials. Assignment questions are applicable and interesting to complete
M. Jordan, Helensvale, QLD | Certificate of Psychopharmacology Drugs and Psychology
I found on-line learning great as I could co-ordinate it with my lifestyle.
Cheryl | Upper Ferntree Gully, VIC | Certificate of Psychopharmacology Drugs and Psychology
Ease of access of materials online, ability to undertake study at self-paced manner.
Jessica | Devonport, TAS | Certificate of Psychopharmacology Drugs and Psychology
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Counselling
- Addictions counselling
- Psychotherapy
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Caring roles
- Health professions
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