1. Drug Addiction (Psychology 451) Course Objectives, Organization, & Requirements Copyright 2009 Dr. Michael A. Bozarth, Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo

2. The study of addiction involves three core disciplines... Motivational Psychology Behavioral Neuroscience Psycho- pharmacology Drug Addiction

3. Learning Objectives Attitude & Subjective Appraisal Concepts & Terminology Analytical Methods Factual Knowledge

4. Course Content Overview of fundamental concepts Detailed examination of two prototypical drug classes –psychomotor stimulants (e.g., cocaine) –opiates (e.g., heroin) Emphasis on biological mechanisms Possible generalization to some other addictive drugs

5. Course Content (cont.) Not covered in the course –many psychoactive drugs marijuana MDMA (ecstasy) hallucinogens alcohol nicotine & caffeine –diagnosis & treatment of addiction –possible nonchemical addictions

6. Background & Prerequisites Introductory Psychology –conditioning & learning theory –biological mechanisms of behavior Research Methods & Statistics –experimental design –principles of scientific inference Biopsychology or Behavioral Neuroscience Survey course/module on Drug Abuse or equivalent background

7. Instructional Format Assigned readings (primary learning tool) Lecture (mostly Q & A with mini lectures) Discussions (limited to main themes) Some videos (introductory case studies) Possible laboratory demonstrations Class attendance essential Internet access required

8. Readings Textbook installments available at Jacobs Copy Center throughout the semester –availability announced in class –chapter study guides are available online –readings should be completed before class meeting Online material (see course home page) Reserve list at UGL Student is responsible for mastering the material and asking questions for clarification

9. Course Grade Based on three exams (equally weighted) administered during regularly scheduled class periods –grades are not curved but based on absolute grading criteria (A- = 90%, B- = 80%, etc.) –exams are allotted the full class period

10. Exams –major emphasis on readings and lecture material but material discussed in class may also be included as well as material from the Discussion List –make-up exams allowed only under exceptional circumstances and with prior approval of the instructor and with written documentation for the absence

11. Course Difficulty This is an upper level (elective) psychology course that places responsibility for learning largely on the student The course becomes progressively more difficult for most students –later concepts build on earlier concepts –more material to learn, more difficult reading (e.g., details & level of analysis) –more biological orientation

12. Past course grades –average C+ –40 to 48% As & Bs –a few students have managed perfect or near perfect exam scores (even on Exam #3)

13. www.AddictionScience.net/PSY451syl.htm

14. Opening Discussion: Whats the course about???

15. Whats the course about??? What does the term addiction mean?

16. Whats the course about??? What does the term addiction mean? –What drugs are considered addictive by this definition?

17. Whats the course about??? What does the term addiction mean? –What drugs are considered addictive by this definition? What does the term drug abuse mean?

18. Whats the course about??? What does the term addiction mean? –What drugs are considered addictive by this definition? What does the term drug abuse mean? –What drugs are considered abused by this definition?

19. Whats the course about??? What does the term addiction mean? –What drugs are considered addictive by this definition? What does the term drug abuse mean? –What drugs are considered abused by this definition? What does the term dependence mean?

20. Whats the course about??? What does the term addiction mean? –What drugs are considered addictive by this definition? What does the term drug abuse mean? –What drugs are considered abused by this definition? What does the term dependence mean? –What are some examples of dependence?

21. Common Definitions of Key Terms addiction: to use compulsively or uncontrollably; to enslave

22. Common Definitions of Key Terms addiction: to use compulsively or uncontrollably; to enslave abuse: to use wrongly or improperly

23. Common Definitions of Key Terms addiction: to use compulsively or uncontrollably; to enslave abuse: to use wrongly or improperly habit: a constant, often unconscious, inclination to perform some act, acquired through its frequent repetition

24. Common Definitions of Key Terms addiction: to use compulsively or uncontrollably; to enslave abuse: to use wrongly or improperly habit: a constant, often unconscious, inclination to perform some act, acquired through its frequent repetition addiction liability/potential: the tendency to develop/produce an addiction

25. Common Definitions of Key Terms (cont.) dependence: state of being determined, influenced, or controlled by something else; subordination to someone or something needed or greatly desired; required for normal physiological or psychological function –physical /physiologic/physiological –psychological /psychic

26. Whats in a Name? Compare the course title/subject matter (i.e., Drug Addiction) vs. the National Institute on Drug Abuse Therein lies the differencethis course is about drug addiction not drug abuse

27. Key Concept Addiction potential is a property of... –the drug?

28. Key Concept Addiction potential is a property of... –the drug? –the individual?

29. Key Concept Addiction potential is a property of... –the drug? –the individual? –the situation/circumstances (e.g., social setting?)

30. Key Concept Addiction potential is a property of... –the drug? –the individual? –the situation/circumstances (e.g., social setting?) The common factor that has been identified is the drug

31. Key Concept Some important characteristic of a drugs action is critically involved in producing an addition Attempts to identify personality characteristics, social environment, etc. have been far less successful than identifying common characteristics of drug action

32. Why Study Prototypic Addictive Drugs?

33. Determine characteristics of addiction

34. Why Study Prototypic Addictive Drugs? Determine characteristics of addiction Refine definitions of addiction –typical characteristics –defining attributes

35. Why Study Prototypic Addictive Drugs? Determine characteristics of addiction Refine definitions of addiction –typical characteristics –defining attributes Develop scientific understanding of addiction –behavioral processes –biological mechanisms

36. The Yin and Yang of Addictive Drugs

37. The Yin Addictive drugs take a horrific toll on humanity –personal –social –economic

38. The Yang But addictive drugs also provide probes for understanding brain function –addictive drugs provide a tool for probing the mind and its underlying neurochemical and neuroanatomical basis From Smith et al., 1998. From Bozarth, 1987.