An estimated 30 million Americans currently suffer from dependency and addiction, a figure that cuts across all sociodemographic categories and places a huge fiscal and personal burden on society. Scientific progress has made the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of substance abuse more effective. In particular, research has shed more light on the role developmental stage plays in the substance abuse process. This course is designed to introduce health professionals to the fundamental biopsychosocial concepts of chemical dependency across the lifespan. Specifically, a theory- and evidence-based overview of the concept of addiction, the history of addiction treatment, basic types of drugs and their distinct effects, and implications for treatment planning and delivery are presented emphasizing important risk factors and substance abuse problems prevalent at each stage of development.

• Demonstrate competency in their understanding of 3 fundamental concepts of chemical dependency related to the historical context, biological context, and correlates and impact of substances on the system.
• Understand the contribution that pharmacokinetics (i.e., absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination) play in substance abuse.
• Discuss how 7 influential psychosocial aspects (i.e., dispositional traits, familial environment, cognitive-behavioral factors, comorbidity, ethnicity, social economic status, developmental age, gender) may play a role in the development and maintenance of substance abuse and dependence across the lifespan.
• Articulate implications for treatment planning, models of treatment, and interventions across the lifespan.