The Chemistry of Mind-Altering Drugs

In this course we will investigate basic principles of chemical signaling in the brain and how commonly-abused drugs alter brain chemistry to distort perception. We will survey the molecular structure of drugs, principles of drug-receptor interactions, and the mechanisms of drug action in five major classes of drugs: opiates, stimulants, cannabinoids, sedatives, and hallucinogens. We will also examine chemical dependency and current research into pharmaceutical treatments for addiction. This course does not require prior experience in chemistry. 3 hrs. lect.