Drugs, drug use, drug policy and health
This MOOC is the first of its kind, since it addresses critical issues related to drugs from a multidisciplinary, health and human rights-based approach. Throughout the course you will cover a range of questions including what are drugs and why they controlled? What are the benefits and harms of taking drugs? How public health policies can address drug use? You will also learn about the intricacies of the international drug control framework and the negative consequences of widespread prohibitionist drug policies around the world. Finally, you will examine ways of furthering drug policy reform.
The topics will be presented by over 40 speakers from scientific, academic and institutional backgrounds, spokespersons of civil society as well as people who use drugs presenting their views.
By the end of the course you will have:
- a strong understanding of the major health issues related to drug use and drug policy;
- a clear vision of why drug policy is debated today;
- and, if you so wish, you will be equipped to engage in the drug policy reform movement at your local or regional level.
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Syllabus
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Understanding drugs and the international drug control framework
Week 2
Drug Use Worldwide
Week 3
Addressing drug use and health: prevention, harm reduction and treatment
Week 4
Questioning prohibition-based policies
Week 5
Medical access to opioids for the management of pain and to other controlled medicines
Week 6
The case for drug policy reform
FAQ
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
Reviews
This course is mainly about narcotic drugs (psychoactive substances) and drug policies in the world. Some speakers are really good.
I enjoyed this course how it was designed and executed. The instructors were good even the one who spoke a langauage I didn't understand.
For anyone who advocates for drug policy/social policy issues, this course is empowering.
Thia course was ideal in preparing me to think critically about drug policy in my country Nigeria as my Institution prepares to begin a course on Drug Addiction Science
