OVERVIEW

Drug abuse has become a quite complex phenomenon; now many of its neurobiological mechanisms are known, and lots of studies are in progress to better understand various aspects of the problem especially with the aim to prevent or to cure it appropriately. Of note, many new drugs of abuse have become available in the last years and some  of them are becoming available just now.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim is to provide the students appropriate knowledge on several aspects of  abuse of psychoactive drugs especially regarding the mechanisms of action of the main drugs of abuse acting on the Central nervous System.

LEARNING OUTCOMES (FURTHER INFO)

The aim of the course is to provide a detailed view of the neurobiological mechanisms at the basis of these phenomena and of some research that is in progress to better understand various aspects and counteract the problem with therapeutic strategies and prevention

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures will be supported by presentations and slides in pdf or Power Point format. The content of the lectures will be requested for the exam. No further reading / books are requested.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

General information on drug abuse and addiction. Mechanisms of drug dependence. Factors of vulnerability for drug addiction. Neurobiological bases of abuse and addiction. The role of dopamine. Pharmacology and toxicology of cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy, phencyclidine, opiates, cannabis, nicotine and hallucinogen drugs;  mechanisms of action, pharmacological effects, toxicity. Therapeutical strategies now available against different types of addiction. Some information about studies on possible future therapy against addiction related to the above mentioned  substances.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ELEONORA RUSSO (President)

BRUNO TASSO (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

In the second semester, depending also on the availability of lecture halls.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Multiple-choice series of questions (written).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

This kind of exam gives the possibility to critically think about the various parts of the program and in this way the  the achievement of the learning objectives is assessed

Exam schedule