This course focuses on pharmacology as one part of a holistic and systems approach to managing substance use disorders in children.
It is designed for two primary audiences; first, medically-trained individuals who are qualified to prescribe and supervise the administration of pharmacological agents to children, and second, non-medically trained professionals for whom an increased understanding of pharmacological interventions can enhance the capacity to observe, assess, monitor, and help children with substance use disorders.
The course presumes that not all children will need pharmacological treatment, and that pharmacological approaches will be used in tandem with psychosocial interventions, with the latter as the first and preferable option. However, for those children for whom medications can interrupt the disease process and ease symptoms, Course 5 offers practical guidance for identifying and responding to signs and symptoms of intoxication and overdose in children for a range of substance classes. In addition, pharmacological protocols are set forth for managing detoxification and relapse-prevention.