SOCI 1310 - Sociology of Substance Abuse

(3 CR, 3T + 0L)

This course explores the phenomenon of drug use and abuse in our culture. It will include, but it is not limited to, the history of drug use, the drugs used, legislation concerning drug possession and use, dependence/addiction to and withdrawal from drugs, and the business of drugs-both legal and illegal. We will concentrate on the sociological aspects of drugs, and we will examine the psychological features as well. Moreover, we will examine the history of drugs, the current state of education as it applies to drugs, prevention efforts, and the role of treatment programs, the latter of which will include both theory and its practical applications in the field. Lastly, we will explore the following list of drugs: stimulants, sedatives/hypnotics, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, over-thecounter drugs, prescription drugs, narcotics, hallucinogens, cannabis, and inhalants.