Continues the discussion of marijuana introduced in Class 18. Students review the pharmacological aspects of marijuana, discuss continuing medical interest in the substance, and further debate the controversies surrounding marijuana use, particularly with respect to its varying levels of toxicity.
Languages: English
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Drugs and Athletics
Explores the historical use of and current concerns over drug use by athletes. Students explore the use of drugs by athletes around the world. Discussion covers such topics as the elite social status enjoyed by these drugs, the competitive edge they are perceived to provide, the pain-numbing benefits drugs provide to injured athletes, and the unknown side effects and possible toxicity of performance-enhancing drugs. The lesson imparts medical research on the benefits and drawbacks of these drugs, and explores how they affect the mind as well as the body.
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Preventing Drug Abuse
Debates ways of improving existing prevention programs. Students discuss how such things as commitment of funding, supply and demand, and social attitudes affect the success of prevention programs. Distinctions are drawn between drug education and drug prevention, between primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention, and between differing target audiences. Students also learn how community values and societal attitudes affect program effectiveness.
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Summary, Conclusions and Final Thoughts
Encourages students to add their personal insights to the body of knowledge gained from this course. Students debate such topics as the importance of “context” in understanding and treating drug-use behavior, the social concerns that affect use and treatment, and the issues involved in the legalization of a substance.
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Introduction: Adolescent Development Period, continued
This class continues to present an overview of the adolescent development period from the instructor’s perspective. In addition, Eric Erickson’s development stages are reviews as it relates to the course content.
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Introduction: Adolescent Development Period
This class provides an over view and introduction to the course overall. Class rules are discussed and the foundation is laid with an introductory review of the adolescent development period using a model developed by the instructor
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Adoescent Development Period, continued
This class continues to present an overview of the adolescent development period from the instructor’s perspective. In addition, Eric Erickson’s development stages are reviews as it relates to the course content.
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Risk Factors, Part 1
Provides information specific to the “generation gap” that exists between “baby boomers” and adolescents of today. Risk factors such as those connected with community, school, and family, as well as those associated with the individual are discussed. General categories or risk confronting adolescents and young adults are also reviewed.
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Tobacco and Nicotine
Discusses the history and pharmacological effects of tobacco use. This lesson reviews the history of tobacco preparation and usage, the pharmacology of nicotine, and the changing social values related to tobacco use. The lesson concludes with a brief discussion of nicotine addiction and treatment.
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Caffeine
Reviews the history, pharmacological properties, and effects of caffeine products. Discussion examines how this psychoactive drug is habitually perceived as a mild stimulant as opposed to an actual drug. Discussion uncovers how caffeine is restricted more by supply and demand than regulation, and students compare how the social status of caffeine contrasts dramatically with that of alcohol and tobacco. The lesson concludes with a discussion of concerns related to caffeine use.