Drugs of Abuse

A three part series. Register for one, two or all three days. Presented by Tom Nelson, RPh

"I was very impressed with the information. It dovetails nicely with my clinical work." -Marlene Byran, psychiatric nurse practitioner

New dates to be announced.


Registration options.
What past participants say about this program.
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Who should attend:

Substance abuse professionals and others who need comprehensive information on drugs of abuse.

About the program:

This three-part series provides you with useful information on how drugs of abuse work. Practical, easy-to-understand material is presented on the effects of commonly abused drugs from nicotine to heroin. Learn about medications including antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and other medications to manage withdrawal. Medications to treat ADHD are covered. How to register.

Day One - Depressants: alcohol, marijuana, heroin, oxycontin and inhalants

Day Two - Stimulants: methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, steroids, and nicotine

Day Three - Medications for managing withdrawal and for treating ADHD

Each day builds on the information presented in the previous day. We suggest, but do not require, that you attend all three days.

Day one

Depressants: alcohol, marijuana, heroin, oxycontin and inhalants

Learn about the fundamentals of neurotransmission, which are key to understanding all substances of abuse and how treatment medications work. Understand how the most widely abused group of psychoactive substances affect the brain and the individuals who use them.

Topics include:

• pharmacology of the depressant drugs, including their similarities and differences
• signs and symptoms of abuse
• short and long-term effects
• signs and symptoms of withdrawal
  

Day two

Stimulants: methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, steroids, and nicotine

Learn how stimulants effect brain chemistry and why they are so addictive.

Topics include:

• pharmacology of the stimulants
• signs and symptoms of stimulant abuse
• short and long-term effects
• signs and symptoms of withdrawal
• the latest fads and trends

Day three

Medications for managing withdrawal and for treating ADHD

Learn about medications used for managing withdrawal symptoms and for other conditions that often co-occur with substance abuse including depression and ADHD.

Topics include:

• similarities and differences among commonly used antidepressant medications
• pharmacology of psychostimulant medications
• antipsychotic medications and their side effects
• uses, benefits and side effects of alternative medications (herbal and dietary supplements) "If they're 'natural' they must be safe!???"

About the instructor:

Tom Nelson, registered pharmacist and certified poison control information specialist. Tom is the pharmacy clinical coordinator at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, a leading regional children's hospital. Tom has consulted on substance abuse issues to numerous agencies including the Department of Corrections, Meriter Hospital's Newstart Program in Madison, and several school districts. He is a frequent presenter at the national meetings of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, and has been published in the "American Journal of Health System Pharmacy." Tom's thoughtful and low-key style is always well received by participants.

Comments from past participants:

"Excellent, I especially liked Tom's vast and easily communicated knowledge."
-Patricia Lofgren, RN, BSN

"So beneficial to help explain information to clients and to students. "
-Marilyn Devine, AODA Coordinator

"Very interesting and informative. I especially liked the thorough explanations. "
-Sandra Staats, CICSW

"Excellent program. Good coverage of routes of administration, onset, duration and recovery."
-Sheri Graeber, corrections program supervisor

General information:

Location: To be announced.

Fee: $130/day; includes instruction, materials, breaks, lunch and CEUs and $20 administrative fee.

Time: Registration 8:30 each day, Workshop 9:00 - 4:00 pm

Credit: Approved hours: Each six (6) hour program qualifies for WI licensed psychologists, National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC #5990), WI Dept. of Public Instruction, Professional Development Plans, WI and IA Social Workers through the Assoc. of Social Work Boards (#1042), WI Marriage and Family Therapists and IL Social Workers (#159-000243). Full attendance is required to receive continuing education credit.

Cancellation policy: If you are unable to participate in a group class or arrange for a substitute, you may obtain a refund minus the $20 administrative fee by contacting our registration department at least 3 business days prior to the program. If you cancel 3 business days or less before the program, or do not participate, you are responsible for the entire fee. To cancel or arrange for a substitute, please call 800-725-9692. No refund is given for cancellation of an Independent Study class. Exceptions to this policy will be determined by CPM program staff on a case-by-case basis.

For further program information contact:
Merrilee Pickett at mpickett@dcs.wisc.edu (608-263-8268 or Anne Voxman at avoxman@dcs.wisc.edu or at 608-263-7023 or call our toll free number 800-442-4617.

 

Registration options:

By phone: Call 608-262-7942 or toll-free 800-725-9692.

By mail: Print, complete and mail the UW Continuing Studies registration form.

By fax: Print, complete and fax the UW Continuing Studies registration form.

Online: Secure online registration will be available for these programs.