Transfers ToCSUCSU GE Area EDescriptionThis course provides an overview of the epidemiology and toxicology of substance abuse and its relevance to personal and public health. Students will be introduced to the concept of substance abuse and dependence, the definition of licit and illicit drugs, and the pharmacologic, neurologic, and physiologic effects of selected substances on the human brain. Political, social, and economic factors involved in drug supply and demand will be discussed. Epidemiologic trends on dependencies in the United States will be explored, including smoking, alcohol, prescription, and other drugs. An overview of risk factors, prevention, and current options for recovery of misuse and abuse of illicit and licit drugs will be discussed. 