330.654.01 SEMINAR ON DRUG ABUSE PROGRAM PLANNING IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES IV

Discusses conceptual and policy issues related to substance abuse in the U.S., including definitions of use and dependence; social and political contexts; scientific bases for public health response; national policy alternatives; public awareness, community action, and school-based approaches to prevention; and theories of treatment. Students give presentations on the extent of substance use and abuse in developing countries, including proposals to mitigate some aspect of substance abuse. Students also prepare a paper on a current topic.

Upon successfully completing the first term of this course, students will be able to use the internet to assemble information describing the geographic, political, economic and cultural parameters which may affect the types and level of psychoactive substance abuse in a developing country. Upon completing the second term of the course students will be able to conduct a national needs assessment using country based data on the extent and patterns of substance abuse and will be able to describe the policies, regulations and public health responses to substance abuse in their country. After the third term, students will be able to develop and defend a proposal for improvement of a specific substance abuse problem in their country In each term, students practice leadership skills in presenting and defending proposals for prevention, treatment or research programs.