PS 268

Drugs and Behaviour

This course is an introduction to the use of drugs in modern society. The emphasis will be on psychoactive drugs, including drugs of abuse (stimulants, depressants, opiates, nicotine, marijuana and psychedelics) and psychotherapeutic drugs (antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antidepressants and anxiolytics). Different aspects of drug use will be explored, including their effects on the brain and behaviour, psychological and biological factors responsible for their use, as well as social, cultural, historical and legal aspects of drug use. The content will range from general principles of drug action to focused information on specific classes of drugs. Prerequisites: PS100* or both PS101 and PS102. Exclusions: PS244a.