Substance Use and Public Health

(3 Credits)

This course covers the broad group of licit and illicit substances with psychoactive effects used in the US and globally. Over the course the semester, we will review the epidemiology and effects of substance use on biologic, psychological, social function and public health as well as history, trafficking, regulation, treatment and controversies. In addition, pharmacological properties and effects of licit and illicit substances are reviewed and linked to health, economic, and societal problems. Best clinical practices in prevention and treatment and controversies over management of substance use disorders (SUDs) will be discussed, along with ethical issues of interest to health providers and public health practitioners.