Schedule
Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol runs September 1 - November 1, 2026. Registration closes September 8.
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Learn Pharmacology Online and Gain Career-Ready Skills
The Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol online course, taught by a Certified Office of Behavioral Health Instructor, offers a research-backed exploration of how substances interact with the body and brain. Throughout this pharmacology course, students will develop a strong foundation in key pharmacological terms, including withdrawal, tolerance, half-life, pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, and pharmacodynamics.
By understanding these concepts as well as the core principles of pharmacology, participants will gain a rigorous understanding of the various routes of transmission for substances and drug interactions, as well as their effects on brain anatomy and chemistry. In this pharmacology course, students study the fundamental principles of pharmacology that are critical in explaining the role of neurotransmitters in the development and maintenance of addictive disorders.
The pharmacology course goes beyond basic principles or just theory for an introduction to drugs and their adverse effects, offering a detailed examination of the bio-psycho-social impact of different substance categories, including the drug action of stimulants, CNS depressants, hallucinogens, cannabis, and club drugs. Students will also evaluate clinical pharmacology and drug testing methods to be able to discuss effective treatment interventions, including medication-assisted treatment.
The pharmacology course also emphasizes the importance of medical pharmacology language used by healthcare professionals, reducing stigma around current treatment and PMH (past medical history), addressing shame when working with individuals struggling with substance use disorders, and helping to foster empathy and understanding in clinical practice.
For interested students, passing this introductory pharmacology course will satisfy the requirements for the two Office of Behavioral Health Pharmacology courses that are required for Certified Addictions Technician (CAT) and Certified Addictions Specialist (CAS), or can be applied towards their CAS or CAT.
Format
Self-paced and online, allowing education to fit within your busy schedule. Learners have up to 8 weeks to complete the course.
Cost
$450 per student plus a $35 transaction fee per payment. All learning materials are included with tuition. Group discounts available.
Course Details and Learning Outcomes
This is a pharmacology course on the composition, classification, effects, uses, and abuses of drugs and alcohol. Students delve into toxicology, drug transport, drug therapy, and current pharmacology research, exploring how psychoactive substances affect the central nervous system and the immune system. The course also investigates the molecular mechanisms and actions of these substances. Social and political issues connected to these topics are interwoven throughout the curriculum.
After successful completion of Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol, learners will earn a certificate of completion and a digital skills badge embedded with the competencies learned. You can include these items on your resume, LinkedIn page, portfolio, or share it with an employer.
Students can also convert the course to three credits and continue to an ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï certificate or degree. SeeÌýFAQsÌýfor more information.
- Define key pharmacology terms (e.g., withdrawal, tolerance, half-life, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics).
- Describe the routes of transmission of substances.
- Explain the impact of substances on brain anatomy and chemistry.
- Describe the role of neurotransmitters in the development and maintenance of addictive disorders.
- Discuss the bio-psycho-social impact of various substances (e.g., stimulants, CNS depressants, hallucinogens, cannabis, club drugs).
- Evaluate various clinical medicine and drug testing methods.
- Describe various treatment interventions, including medication-assisted treatment.
- Analyze drug and alcohol substance abuse prevention strategies.
- Discuss the importance of language, stigma, and shame when working with clients with substance use disorders.
Why take Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol?
Professional Career Advisement
Receive a personal advising session with your instructor and gain confidence in your future career.
What students are saying about Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol*
✓ Increased knowledge, skills, and understanding of the subject matter.
✓ Were highly satisfied with the overall experience of the course.
✓ Agreed that the subject matter was organized and presented effectively.
*Fall 2025 post-course survey results.
ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï your pharmacology course instructor
Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol instructor
Patrick Griswold has 20+ years of experience in the behavioral health field as a clinician, administrator, and educator. In addition to being a licensed mental health and addiction counselor, he is an RN with a specialty in mental health nursing.Ìý Patrick is the former director of North Charles, a Harvard Medical School-affiliated substance abuse treatment program in Cambridge, MA. He has provided training and supervision for Harvard Medical School residents. He is currently on faculty at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Human Services and Counseling, and Nursing Departments.
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Office Location:
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Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
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Denver, CO 80217-3362