AOD and the Brain - Part 1

The AOD and the Brain Virtual Classroom consists of two interactive Zoom workshops. These two sessions can be completed in any order. Completion of both Zoom workshops of AOD and the Brain is a pre-requisite learning to the Assessing and Managing Withdrawal. Please allow up to 3 hours for this workshop.

AOD and the Brain provides a basic understanding of how drugs, enter and travel through the body to exert their impact upon the brain. It will also explore the processes the body employs as a response to substance use. It will build knowledge within this area and improve the confidence and ability of the clinician to use the information to enhance client knowledge.  This transfer of knowledge will go towards educating and empowering the client to improve their health outcomes.

The topics this workshop covers include:

• Knowledge around the classification of psychoactive substances.
• A basic understanding of the brain and its structural components.
• An overview of the bodies nervous system.
• An overview of neurotransmission and the major neurotransmitters.
• An understanding of how psychoactive drugs influence this system.

This session will provide an understanding of pharmacodynamics or the effect a drug has on a body and how this relates to intoxication, tolerance, dependence and withdrawal.