The Concepts of Basic Pharmacology, Essay Example

The purpose of the research paper is to evaluate the topics we have covered in class this semester and determine if there are any other topics which should have been covered to successfully master this course in preparation for the next level of instruction. The following are the topics covered in relation to this course:

• The concepts of basic pharmacology are exhibited in most of the quizzes showing how the brain and nervous system operates and the theories beneath the addictive process.
• The role of the nervous system in drug use is exhibited by stating how the neurons and neurotransmitters play an active role in directing the brain to create natural chemical substances that are needed to create a happy mind. With the introduction of illegal drugs and alcohol into the system is when the problems arise causes the decrease of dopamine to the brain which is essential for the happy feelings that a human feels.
• The impact of drug addiction on families is stifling. If a parent or child suffers from drug or alcohol addiction the whole family suffers as well emotionally.
• Resources for finding information on all aspects of drug use and abuse are available through social workers, counsellors and twelve-step programs which are extremely helpful for new persons attempting to cease an addiction.
• Reward Circuit Quiz develops the concepts of how drugs have been used throughout history and how they are used today to treat such diseases as depression, anxiety and war related illnesses. The importance of this quiz is to show how the development of pharmaceuticals has progressed throughout times.
• Pharmacology One Quiz is designed to test the student’s ability to classify legal drugs, determine how the drugs are absorbed into the human body, how they are metabolized and which drug is best suited to use for an addiction or disorder.
• Genetics Quiz speaks about how certain people are born with an innate pre-disposition for addiction through genetics passed on by their parents. Simply because they have inherited the gene does not mean they will be alcohol or drug abusers though. The minute they take that first drink or use that first drug though they become abusers.
• How the Nervous System and The Reward Circuit Works Assignment details how the brain and nervous system work together and when an illegal drug is introduced into the body the nervous system does not behave properly. The illegal drug acts against the neurotransmitters causing often a deficiency of dopamine in the brain. The body eventually will not be able to feel pleasure without the use of the drug.
• Comparison of Rosa Lee and Suzanne Summers Assignment gives rise to the theories that psychologist share that the genetic gene plays an important role in shaping the future of an addictive person. However, behaviour patterns are also formed by what we experience in life as shown by Erickson’s and Bandura’s social cognitive theories. What is astounding is the fact that the stories represent the fact that the theories are only temporary and that anyone facing addiction problems can break the ‘vicious cycle’ and carry on with a pretty decent life if they commit themselves to change.

The combination of quizzes and comparison assignments are a great way to analytically and qualitatively test a student’s ability to collectively grasp the material taught however there should me more practical application to the subject related material based upon the course description. The course appears to be a very basic course with relation to drug addiction and dependence based on genetic tendencies. There should be more research teaching such as genetics courses and application to drug dependency.