TITLE:
Psychopharmacology for the Dually-Diagnosed

TARGET AUDIENCE:
Nurses, Counselors, and other interested Health Professionals

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
• This is a six-hour training aimed at providing an introduction to commonly used psychotropic pharmacological agents for the counselor, nurse, or other professional
• This course directly relates to the domains of assessment, counseling, case management, client education, and professional responsibility, with a specific substance abuse focus.

OBJECTIVES: (Behavioral Terminology)
Upon completion, the learner will be able to identify:
1. Major classes of psychotropic medications (e.g.: Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Mood stabilizers, Anti-anxiety agents) and their safe application to support psychiatric and substance use recovery;
2. Prescription and over-the counter medications that are contraindicated for those with substance use disorders and which may trigger relapse;
3. Safe alternatives to controlled dangerous substances in the treatment of co-morbid pain and anxiety syndromes;
4. The underlying neurobiology that leads many dually diagnosed individuals to “self-medicate”.