Biology of Addiction 1 & 2 (Must Attend Both Sessions)
DCF Central Office, 505 Hudson Street, Hartford
Academy for Workforce Development, 6th floor
Biology of Addiction I: July 8, 2019
Learn about alcohol, opioids, and stimulants and the physical effect of these substances on the body (e.g., liver, skin, gastrointestinal tract) and fetus. You will learn about the signs of substance use, dependence, withdrawal, and treatment options such as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). You will increase your technical knowledge about how drugs are scheduled by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) including information about the Controlled Substances Act. From a counseling perspective, learn the basics of neuroscience and be able to explain to clients how the brain has been hijacked by addiction and its needs for rest and recovery. This discussion will include an easy to understand introduction or overview of neurotransmission, the role of dopamine in addiction, and important structures in the brain such as the frontal lobe, limbic system, hippocampus, and amygdala.
Biology of Addiction II: July 15, 2019
Learn about a broad array of drugs of abuse with a focus on marijuana and designer drugs, as well as the risk factors, consequences and symptoms of use. The effects of marijuana, including both THC and CBD, will be presented along with an investigation of the new, very potent formulations that are packaged as wax or oils. Marijuana will be compared to synthetic substances such as K2 and Spice. Drugs from hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin, peyote, salvia divinorum) to dissociative drugs (DXM, DMT, Ketamine) and drugs with multiple actions (MDMA, Molly and PCP) will also be discussed.
