BHHS 121 Syllabus 4-week Winter Term

BHHS 121- On Line-Course 

Online courses are delivered through a course management system (Canvas) that allows students 24/ 7 access to their courses. Online courses do not require students to be online at specific times but students log in on a regular basis at their convenience to keep up with course requirements, due dates, etc. Online courses are just as rigorous and demanding as regular classroom courses. Students are expected to establish and maintain high levels of involvement and interaction throughout the semester.

BHHS 121 Course Description

The biopsychosocial aspects of various addictive behaviors will be examined. This will include the pharmacology of addictive substances, the physiological effects on the user, the psychological consequences of use, and the sociological conditions that cause and result from substance abuse. The historical perspective will be surveyed, along with introducing students to various treatment approaches to addictions.

Course Objectives

  • To know the social context and human meaning of drugs and alcohol use in the American culture
  • To know chemical effects, psychological and social consequences of the use of the following drugs: Marijuana                                      Psychedelics & Hallucinogens  Stimulants and Depressants  Heroin and Narcotics
  • To understand the societal issues associated with chemical use and dependency.
  • To know the HIV/AIDS, codependency, enabling and family consequences of addiction.
  • To know the scope of behavioral health challenges in recovery.
  • To know and understand the relationship between Micropractice and Macropractice issues in behavioral health.

This course is considered the foundation course for the Recovery & Transformation Studies Certificate.  Students take this course for the purpose of developing a basic understanding of drugs and their effects on individual behavior. This course is followed by a second course (BHHS 222), Assessment and Treatment Planning in Recovery and/or BHHS 131-Faith and Spirituality in Human Services.

Internet Access

It is important that all students have access to the Internet and the knowledge to operate a personal computer. The Internet contains the most current and up-to-date information and statistical data relating to addictive behavior, recovery and transformation. 

Required Text 

Scoles, Pascal and Kerry Arnold. (2013). (6th Edition). Addiction Society and Recovery: A Clinical and Community Perspective. Cengage Learning.

Text can be purchased at:

Community College of Philadelphia Bookstore.

Your final grade will be based on the following:

1. There are three (3) exams each worth 10 points for a total of 30 points.

2.  There are 14 sets of study guide questions worth a total of 56 points (4 points per set).

3. There are seventeen (17) forum discussions (video and Issues) worth a total of 17 points (1 point for each session you participate in). Participation is more than just agreeing with an individuals statement. You must add something  to the discussion.
 
All work MUST be turned in on the due date in order to get full credit. There are no extra credit assignments for this class.
 
All assignments are due on the dates indicated on the course time line. The ONLY exceptions are: (1) If I send you back an assignment because I couldn't open the file you have an additional 72 hours to e mail me the assignment at pscoles@ccp.edu and (2) If you are approved by me to turn in your assignment late.
 
 
Please note that all Assignments & Discussions can only be completed through the weekly modules.
(click this Modules tab)
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Week One: Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drug Use in American Society-
 

This week you will become acquainted with the Canvas case management on line course. Go to the open forum discussion and introduce yourself to the class. Please take the time to review all course requirements You can visit my Web site at: https://sites.google.com/site/pascalscolesccp/

The first series of readings focus on chemical use and abuse in American society. Attention is given to estimates of alcohol and other drugs of abuse, as well as, environmental risk factors in addiction, issues of women in recovery, and ethnicity and culture  in relation to alcohol and other drugs of abuse. (Read: Text pages 1-27) 

Week one there are five assignments:  (1) read Chapter 1 of text, (2) watch the videos, (3) answer the Study Guide Questions, (4) go to the Introduction and Open Discussion Forum and  (5) participate in the Video Forum Discussion.
 
VIDEO: A Brief History of Controlled Drugs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIWwHjm-F_o
 VIDEO: Drug Addiction   
Please note that all Assignments & Discussions can only be completed through the weekly modules.
(click this Modules tab)
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Week Two: Culture and Diversity in Addiction-

The extent and societal reaction of drug use is reviewed in relation to culture, HIV/AIDS, crime, socioeconomic status, and psychological characteristics of alcohol and drug users. How one becomes a drug user and what causes illegal drug use, as well as the unique characteristics of alcohol use are explained in the context of American society. Attention is given to cultural competence and the minority group experiences of Hispanics, Black/African Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders, Native Americans as well as the LGBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) experiences (Read:Text pp. 28-57).
 
Week two there are five assignments: (1) read the text (2) watch the videos, (3) complete the Study Guide Assignment, (4) participate in the video forum and (5) participate in Forum 1 issues discussion.
 
VIDEO:Tapestry of Life-Incarceration
 VIDEO: Tapestry of Life-Homelessness
VIDEO: Tapestry of Life: LGBT
 
Please note that all Assignments & Discussions can only be completed through the weekly modules.
(click this Modules tab)
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 Week Three:  Brain and Neurotransmitter Function-


Characteristics of drugs, drug dosage, categories of drug effects, potency, frequency of use, route of administration, drug interactions,and pharmacokinetics will be reviewed in the context of neurotransmitters and brain function. The communication of information in the brain, neurochemicals and common neurotransmitters and their identified functions will be related to drugs of use/abuse
 
(Read: Text pp. 58-74).

Week three there are four assignments: (1) read the text, (2) watch the videos, (3) complete the Study Guide Questions. and (4) participate in the forum discussions.

VIDEO: Neurons and how they work- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5cab4hgmoE
 
VIDEO: Gabor Mate, M.D. on How Addiction Changes the Brain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ-FAX4Pz8I
   

 VIDEO: Neurochemistry of Relapse and Recovery

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMiFNmemNyM  
Please note that all Assignments & Discussions can only be completed through the weekly modules.
(click this Modules tab)
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Week Four: Drug Testing and American Society-
 
Drug testing is an established method of detecting drug use in society. Emit, RIA, TLC, GC and GCMS are reviewed in relation to sensitivity, concentration, retention time and accuracy of results. Legal issues such as due process, self-incrimination and privacy concerns should be understood in relation to random testing and "for cause" testing. (Internet search)
 
Week four there are five assignments: (1) do the internet search on Drug Testing, (2) watch the videos, (3) complete the Study Guide Questions, (4) participate in the video discussion forum and (5) study for Quiz 1 next week.
 
VIDEO: Periodic Table of Intoxicants. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP0IQ1iwvj0
 
VIDEO: Drug Testing-The Facts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1BIWNDkzcU
 
Please note that all Assignments & Discussions can only be completed through the weekly modules.
(click this Modules tab)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Week Five:  Marijuana and Hallucinogens-
 
Classification of commonly used psychedelics Marijuana, LSD, MDMA, Peyote, and Psilocybin will be understood in relation to their general effects, physical and mental effects, and delusions and hallucinations. The physiological and emotional effects will be read in the context of societal concerns regarding tolerance, withdrawal and addiction (Read: Text pp. 75-97).
 
Week five there are five assignments: (1) take Quiz 1, (2) read the text, (3) watch the videos, (4) complete the Study Guide Questions and (5) participate in the Video Forum Discussion and  begin Forum Issue 2 discussion.
 
 
 
Please note that all Assignments & Discussions can only be completed through the weekly modules.
(click this Modules tab)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Week Six: Stimulants: (Amphetamines and Cocaine)-
 
Classification of stimulants and their general effects on the circulatory system will be discussed in relation to increased paranoia, craving, overamping dangers, and aggressive hyperactivity behavior. Other mild stimulants, caffeine, nicotine and chocolate, as well as look-alike and over the counter stimulants will be identified and reviewed in relation to abuse and dependency (Read:Text pp. 98-117).
 
Week six there are five assignments:  (1) read the text, (2) watch the videos, (3) complete the Study Guide Questions, (4) participate in the video forum, and (5) participate in Forum 2 issues discussion.
 
 
VIDEO: History of Cocaine
 
Please note that all Assignments & Discussions can only be completed through the weekly modules.
(click this Modules tab)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week Seven: The Opiates and Opioids (Depressants)-
 

The Opium poppy, its pharmacological effects, number of narcotic addicts, cost to society and the culture of the heroin addict will be reviewed in relation to its high addiction potential. The distinction between opioids and opiates will clarify the semi synthetic and synthetic derivatives of the opium poppy. Attention will be given to side effects of opioids, such as,  tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal (Read:Text pp. 117-127).  

Week seven there are five assignments:  (1) read the text, (2) watch the video, (3) complete the Study Guide Questions, (4) participate in the video forum discussion and (5) complete the Student Experience Report.

 
Please note that all Assignments & Discussions can only be completed through the weekly modules.
(click this Modules tab)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Week Eight: Sedatives/Hypnotics and Tranquilizers (Depressants)-
 

Dangers of misuse, alterations of sleep patterns, suicide and accidental death, dangers of abuse, tolerance and physical addiction, as well as polydrug use, synergism, cross-tolerance and cross addiction will be reviewed in relation to these highly abused medications (Read: Text pp. 127-134).  

Week eight there are five assignments: (1) read the text, (2) watch the video, (3) complete the Study Guide Questions, (4) participate in the video forum discussion, and (5) complete the Student Experience Report.
 
 
Please note that all Assignments & Discussions can only be completed through the weekly modules.
(click this Modules tab)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Week Nine: Alcohol abuse, Inhalants and Designer Drugs (Depressants) and Other Behavioral Disorders

Alcohol and the human body (absorption, brain function, etc.) major signs of alcoholism, high risk factors for the development of 
alcoholism, physiological and psychological factors associated with the development of alcoholism will be reviewed in relation to  desired effects, side effects and health consequences. Other problems with alcohol consumption such as polydrug abuse, pregnancy, violent behavior, and driving under the influence will be addressed in relation to alcohols impact on the culture.Inhalants and designer Opiates and Euphoriants will be reviewed in relation to health consequences. The readings will also include other behavioral disorders such as gambling, eating disorders.  (Read: Text pp. 135-160).  
 
Week nine there are five assignments: (1) read the text, (2) watch the videos, (3) complete the Study Guide Questions, (4) participate in the video forum discussion, and (5) complete Exam 2.
 
VIDEO: Alcohol and Your Brain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXjANz9r5F0 
VIDEO: Teens and Inhalants Do you Know The Facts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7CdkJhxnE8
 
Please note that all Assignments & Discussions can only be completed through the weekly modules.
(click this Modules tab)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Week Ten:  Adolescent Chemical Abuse and HIV/AIDS-
 
Problems associated with assessing child and adolescent drug use patterns and stages of adolescent drug use will be reviewed in the context of a family systems perspective. Possible diagnostic criteria and special needs of the adolescent will be studied in relation to treatment. Attention will also be given to HIV transmission and Hepatitis C infections, the progression of these diseases and the epidemiology among a variety of high-risk groups (Read: Text pp.161-207).
 
Week ten there are six assignments: (1) read the text, (2) watch the videos, (3) complete the Study Guide Questions, (4) participate in the video forum discussion, (5) complete exam 2, and (6) begin Forum 3 issues discussion.
 
  
VIDEO: CCPTV-Tapestry of Life-HIV/AIDShttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyZ4IR1M6tA
 
Please note that all Assignments & Discussions can only be completed through the weekly modules.
(click the Modules tab on left side of course syllabus)

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Week Eleven:  Codependency, Enabling Behaviors and Family Resiliency-

Codependency and enabling activities effect on ones emotional health will be integrated into the various styles of enablers and the dynamics of codependency. The rules of codependency will be reviewed in the context of marriage and addiction. Also drinking partners , children of alcoholics will be identified in the context of a dysfunctional family style (Read: Text pp.208-259).

Week eleven there are five assignments: (1) read the text, (2) watch the videos, (3) complete the Study Guide Questions, (4) participate in the video forum and (5) participate in Forum 3 issues discussion.
 
VIDEO: What is Codependence?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrLaaar02e4
VIDEO: Tapestry of Life-Domestic Violence
 
Please note that all Assignments & Discussions can only be completed through the weekly modules.
(click this Modules tab)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 

Week Twelve:  Chemical Addiction and Mental Health (Dual Disorders)-

The epidemiologic and determining factors in emotional problems and drug addiction will be related to neurotransmitters, street drugs and mental illness. The overlap between Substance Use Disorders and various psychiatric disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, and Schizophrenia will be related to drugs of abuse and related psychopathology (Read: Text pp. 260-279).
 
Week twelve there are five assignments: (1) read the text, (2) watch the video, (3) complete the Study Guide Questions, (4) participate in Forum 3 issues discussion and (5) participate in the video forum discussion.
 
VIDEO: A guide for living with Co-Occurring disorders. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLD2yBPJXdI&feature=related
 
VIDEO:  Co-Occurring Disordershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLseAvC8Heo 
 
Please note that all Assignments & Discussions can only be completed through the weekly modules.
(click this Modules tab)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
 Week Thirteen: Self-Help Movement, and Substance Abuse Treatment and the Healing Process-
 
This chapter gives an overview of alcohol/drug treatment while placing major emphasis on relapse prevention. Self-help meetings (12 Step programs) are discussed in relation to treatment and recovery, as well as recent history of alcohol and drug treatment in the United States (Read: Text pp. 280-324).
 
Week thirteen there are four assignments: (1) read the text, (2) watch the videos (3) complete the Study Guide Questions and (4) participate in the video forum discussion.
 
VIDEO: Jung, Alcoholics Anonymous and Drug Seeking Behavior. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceoB-tE5yWI
 
VIDEO: CCPTV-Tapestry of Life- Recovery 
 
Please note that all Assignments & Discussions can only be completed through the weekly modules.
(click this Modules tab)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Week Fourteen: Individual and Community Intervention Strategies For Substance Abuse-
 
This group of readings focuses on the distinction between brief and long-term therapy and reviews the different approaches to counseling addicted individuals. Cognitive therapy, Interpersonal, Family and group therapies will be reviewed in relation to goals of treatment, maintenance strategies and therapist characteristics. The second half of the readings will discuss community empowerment and models of recovery and resilience. Specifically, the lecture will focus on the movement from a medical model of diagnosis and treatment to a community empowerment and transformation model of recovery, resilience and self-determination in the behavioral health profession (Read: Text pp. 325-356).
 
Week fourteen there are four assignments: (1) read the text, (2) watch the videos, (3) complete the Study Guide Questions and (4) participate in the video forum discussion.
 
VIDEO: Addiction to Stigma: the Costs
 
VIDEO: CCPTV-Tapestry of Life-Community Engagement
 
Please note that all Assignments & Discussions can only be completed through the weekly modules.
(click this Modules tab)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Week Fifteen:  Final Exam
 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due