TEDX1848X - Drugs & Alcohol in Schools: Understanding Substance Use & Abuse
Course Description
Addiction is defined as a “biopsychosocial” disease. Drugs & Alcohol in Schools will explore each of these three elements individually, and then, discuss their interactions and impact on the substance using person. The information will be further processed in order to more readily translate that information into practical application in the classroom. To establish a broader context for understanding substances and their addictive qualities, the course will begin with the “social” component of the “biopsychosocial” disease. This provides a backdrop that looks at the history of drugs and alcohol in society and what current societal perceptions prevail.
The second chapter of this course will address the biological and physiological basis of addiction. Starting with general drug classifications, we will study specific drugs and their effects. While understanding the properties of the drugs, we will further examine what happens to the basic physiology when chemicals are introduced. Finally, after understanding physiological reactions, we will explore how use progresses into addiction and the evolution of addiction as a “disease.”
The triad is complete as we examine the psychological factors impacting the disease. The main focus of this chapter is a brief study of child development and the impact on stages of development if the child begins using substances. Development will be discussed also in terms of impact due to parental use of chemicals. From these issues, we will further explore family roles and rules that emerge in the family system.
Since the course is designed to increase your understanding and awareness of drugs and addiction, the final chapter builds upon what you have learned and offers options for how to respond. These options look at how to most effectively and appropriately manage the effects of substance use as it impacts your students and classroom. A review of various support groups and resources that are available is included.
View Drugs & Alcohol in Schools: Understanding Substance Use & Abuse syllabus for additional information.
Key Benefits
- 100% online self-paced course.
- No prior experience required.
- No textbooks and other materials required for purchase.
Learning Modules Include
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Instructor Video
- Introduction
- History
- What Are We Facing?
- Common Terms
- Use, Abuse & Addiction
- Chapter 2: A Journey Into the Mind
- Instructor Video
- Genetics
- The Disease of Addiction
- Neurochemistry
- Neural System
- Neurons, Axons and Dendrites
- Neurotransmitters
- Quest for Pleasure
- Brain Circuits in Youth
- Chapter 3: Substances & Their Effects
- Instructor Video
- Alcohol
- Alcohol in the Body
- Nicotine
- Marijuana
- Inhalants & Hallucinogens
- Stimulants
- Opiates
- Performance Enhancing Drugs
- Over the Counter & Prescription Drugs
- Chapter 4: Wrapping It Up
- Instructor Video
- What Now?
- What Else Can I Do?
- Conclusion
Course Learning Outcomes
- Understand the history of alcohol and drugs in society and their impact on current beliefs in our culture
- Develop a basic understanding of the “biopsychosocial” nature of addiction
- Understand the disease concept of addiction
- Identify different drugs and their effects on the body
- Understand the effects of substance abuse on child development and family systems
- Develop a foundation of understanding of prevention, intervention and supports
Requirements to Enroll
No application is needed to enroll. All learners are eligible to enroll in the course. There are no admission requirements. It is recommended that learners have a high school diploma or GED, and have basic computer and internet knowledge.
Semester Open-Enrollment Schedule:
- Spring = January - April
- Summer = May - August
- Fall = September - December
*Please note that students are only allowed to register max 5 TEDX courses per semester period*
Estimated Time to Completion
This course can be completed in approximately 30 hours of asynchronous work.
Access Time
Learners will have access to their course learning modules for up to 365 days from the date of enrollment.
CEUs and PDUs
- CEUs 3.0 National University Continuing Education Units
Certificate of Completion
Learners will be awarded a National University Workforce and Community Education, Professional and Continuing Education Certificate of Completion after satisfying the course requirements below:
- Complete all four information sections showing a competent understanding of the material presented in each section.
- Complete all four section examinations, showing a competent understanding of the material presented. You must obtain an overall score of 70% or higher, with no individual exam score below 50%, to pass this course. *Please note: Minimum exam score requirements may vary by college or university; therefore, you should refer to your course addendum to determine what your minimum exam score requirements are.
- Complete a review of any section on which your examination score was below 50%.
- Retake any examination, after completing an information review, to increase that examination score to a minimum of 50%, making sure to also be achieving an overall exam score of a minimum 70% (maximum of three attempts). *Please note: Minimum exam score requirements may vary by college or university; therefore, you should refer to your course addendum to determine what your minimum exam score requirements are.
- Complete a course evaluation form at the end of the course.
Refund Policy
We at National University want all of our students to have a positive and rewarding learning experience. In the event that a student is not completely satisfied with a course, we offer a refund policy to ensure satisfaction.
To be eligible for a refund, the student must submit a written request, including a valid reason, within 9 calendar days of registering for the course. Additionally, the student must not have attempted more than 25% of the course.
To request a refund, email PACE@nu.edu and include your full name, student ID, and course name. Your reason for requesting a refund will be carefully reviewed, and we reserve the right to refuse a refund if we determine the request to be invalid.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are approved for a refund, we will issue a refund to your original method of payment within 60 days of the refund approval.