Support the health of others by learning about brain chemistry and addiction
The Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol online course, taught by a Certified Office of Behavioral Health Instructor, offers a research-backed exploration of how substances interact with the body and brain. Throughout this pharmacology course, students will develop a strong foundation in key pharmacology terms such as withdrawal, tolerance, half-life, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics. By understanding these concepts as well as the core principles of pharmacology, participants will gain insight into the various routes of transmission for substances and drug interactions as well as their effects on brain anatomy and chemistry. Participants will learn about the fundamental concepts in pharmacology that will be critical in explaining the role of neurotransmitters in the development and maintenance of addictive disorders.
The pharmacology course goes beyond theory for an introduction to drugs and their adverse effects, offering a detailed examination of the bio-psycho-social impact of different substance categories, including stimulants, CNS depressants, hallucinogens, cannabis, and club drugs. Students will also evaluate drug testing methods and discuss effective treatment interventions, including medication-assisted treatment. The pharmacology course also emphasizes the importance of language, reducing stigma around current treatment and PMH (past medical history) addressing shame when working with individuals struggling with substance use disorders, and helping to foster empathy and understanding in clinical practice.
For interested students, passing this course will satisfy the requirements for the two Office of Behavioral Health Pharmacology courses that are required for Certified Addictions Technician (CAT) and Certified Addictions Specialist (CAS), or can be applied towards their CAS or CAT.
Why take this online pharmacology course?
Flexible schedule
The course can be completed in 4-8 weeks and is self-paced online.
Career advisement
Receive a personal advising session with an industry leader.
High job demand
Gain a competitive edge.
Career pathways in medicine for drug pharmacology and alcohol pharmacology
Approximate return on investment for each academic pathway beyond our pharmacology courses
After taking the pharmacology course and developing a foundation in drug and alcohol pharmacology, you can immediately enter the workforce or continue onto a degree through MSU Denver and increase your earning potential.
Pathway 1: Complete the Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol course and immediately enter the workforce.
- The median salary is $32,000 a year.
Pathway 2: Continue your education by earning a bachelor’s degree in Human Services at MSU Denver. The Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol course can count toward the required courses.
- The median salary is $47,000 a year.
Pathway 3: Enhance your earning power with MSU Denver’s Master of Science in Clinical Behavioral Health. The Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol course can count toward the degree’s required courses.
- The median salary is $67,000 a year.
About Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol
This is a course in the composition, classification, effects, uses, and abuses of drugs and alcohol. Students delve into toxicology and current pharmacology research, exploring how psychoactive substances affect the central nervous system and the immune system. The course also investigates the molecular mechanisms and actions of these substances. Social and political issues connected to these topics are interwoven throughout the curriculum.
The course is $450, with a $35 transaction fee per payment. There are no books to purchase.
- Registration opens in December
- Course begins – February 3, 2025
- Last day to register – February 10, 2025
- Course ends – April 4, 2025
Once you successfully complete the Intro to Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol online course, you can immediately enter the workforce with newly learned skills. You will receive a digital badge embedded with the competencies learned. You can include this badge on your resume, LinkedIn page, portfolio, or share it with an employer. Students will also receive a certificate of completion.
Students can also convert the course to three credits and continue to an MSU Denver certificate or degree. See FAQs for more information.
- Define key pharmacology terms (e.g. withdrawal, tolerance, half-life, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics).
- Describe the routes of transmission of substances.
- Explain the impact of substances on brain anatomy and chemistry.
- Describe the role of neurotransmitters in the development and maintenance of addictive disorders.
- Discuss the bio-psycho-social impact of various substances (e.g. stimulants, CNS depressants, hallucinogens, cannabis, club drugs).
- Evaluate various drug testing methods.
- Describe various treatment interventions including medication-assisted- treatment.
- Analyze substance abuse prevention strategies.
- Discuss the importance of language, stigma, and shame when working with clients with substance use disorders.
About your course instructor
Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol instructor
Patrick Griswold has 20+ years of experience in the behavioral health field as a clinician, administrator, and educator. In addition to being a licensed mental health and addiction counselor, he is an RN with a specialty in mental health nursing. Patrick is the former director of North Charles, a Harvard Medical School-affiliated substance abuse treatment program in Cambridge MA. He has provided training and supervision for Harvard Medical School residents, he is currently on faculty at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Human Services and Counseling, and Nursing Departments.
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Office Location:
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Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Innovative and Lifelong Learning
P.O. Box 173362
Campus Box 6
Denver, CO 80217-3362