DSST Substance Abuse Exam Syllabus

1. Overview of Substance Abuse and Dependence 12%
a. Terminology
b. Theories and models of abuse and dependence
c. Demographics
d. Costs to society and associations with social problems
e. Screening and diagnosis

2. Classification of Drugs 6%
a. DEA schedule
b. Pharmacologic effect
c. Regulations

3. Pharmacological and Neurophysiological Principles 6%
a. Nervous system
b. Actions of drugs
c. Drug interactions

4. Alcohol 14%
a. History and types
b. Determinants of blood alcohol level
c. Effects
d. Uses and administration
e. Tolerance, withdrawal, and overdose
f. Dependency issues
g. Prevention and treatment

5. Anti-Anxiety, Sedative, and Hypnotics 6%
a. History and types
b. Effects
c. Uses and administration
d. Tolerance, withdrawal, and overdose
e. Dependency issues
f. Prevention and treatment

6. Inhalants 6%
a. History and types
b. Effects
c. Tolerance, withdrawal, and overdose
d. Dependency issues
e. Prevention and treatment
f. Uses and administration

7. Tobacco and Nicotine 10%
a. History and types
b. Effects
c. Uses and administration
d. Tolerance, withdrawal, and overdose
e. Dependency issues
f. Prevention and treatment

8. Psychomotor Stimulants 6%
a. History and types
b. Effects
c. Uses and administration
d. Tolerance, withdrawal, and overdose
e. Dependency issues
f. Prevention and treatment

9. Opioids 8%
a. History and types
b. Effects
c. Uses and administration
d. Tolerance, withdrawal, and overdose
e. Dependency issues
f. Prevention and treatment

10. Cannabinoids 11%
a. History and types
b. Effects
c. Uses and administration
d. Tolerance, withdrawal, and overdose
e. Dependency issues
f. Prevention and treatment
g. Current trends

11. Hallucinogens 4%
a. History and types
b. Effects
c. Uses and administration
d. Tolerance, withdrawal, and overdose

12. Other Drugs of Abuse 4%
a. Anabolic steroids
b. Over-the-counter (OTC) substances
c. Synthetic substances
d. Club drugs

13. Antipsychotic Drugs 3%
a. History and types
b. Effects
c. Uses and administration

14.Antidepressants and Mood Stabilizers 4%
d. History and types
e. Effects
f. Uses and administration
g. Tolerance and withdrawal