Revised 1/9/2015
HSSP 115b Syllabus
Perspectives on Behavioral Health: Alcohol, Drugs, and Mental Health
Block N – Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00-3:20 pm
Heller School, Classroom 163
INSTRUCTOR:
Sharon Reif, Ph.D.
Office: Heller 259
Phone: x6-3924
Email: reif@brandeis.edu
Contact Dr. Reif regarding administrative issues and academic issues.
OFFICE HOURS
Wednesdays 3:30 - 5:00 pm or by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is a survey course on behavioral health, with a primary focus on substance use and mental disorders in the
United States. The course will consider the history, theoretical perspectives and science of addiction and mental
disorders. Next, we will focus on how behavioral health impacts society, with a consideration of overall prevalence,
specific populations and disparities, consequences and effects of substance use and mental disorders, the treatment
system and specific options, and outcomes. We also will discuss policy issues: what they are, how they can be
impacted, and how they can be used to change behavior. In addition to Drs. Reif and Merrick, we will have several
guest lecturers including representatives from organizations for people with mental and substance use disorders.
Several classes are devoted to participatory debates and focused discussion of specified topics.
Summary of Course Schedule
Sessions
Topic
1-3
Introduction to Behavioral Health
4
Policy Debate – Drinking Age
5-7
History, Theories and Science
8-9
Who Is Affected, and How? Epidemiology and Consequences
10
Prevention
11
Treatment Overview
12
Class Discussion – Behavioral Health in Media
13
In-class midterm exam
14-18
Treatment; Financing; Perspectives of People in Recovery
19
Policy
20
Violence, Legal Issues
21
Mental Health across the Lifespan
22
Tobacco Use
23-24
More on Policy
25
Student Presentations and Course Review
26
In-class final exam
TEXTS
Abadinsky H. Drug Use and Abuse: A Comprehensive Introduction, 8th Edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth CENGAGE
Learning, 2012.
The 8th edition is preferred for more updated information, but the 7th edition may be used. Please see list of
Abadinsky readings at the end of the syllabus for 7th edition readings. A copy of the 7th edition is on reserve at
the library.
Sharma M, Atri A, Branscum P. Foundations of Mental Health Promotion (selected chapters for purchase from
bookstore). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning, 2012. The book is on reserve at the library.
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See list at end of syllabus that shows chapter and page numbers for the full version of book and the customized
version.
NOTE: Texts are supplemented by journal articles and other readings where appropriate. Any supplemental readings
will be available on LATTE. All readings should be completed prior to class.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
 Cell phones off and away.
 Laptops permitted during lecture portions of class, for note-taking only.
 No laptops to be used during class discussion time.
 Please do not attend class if you are ill.
 Come to class prepared and on time.
 Class is participatory; please be aware you may be called upon.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING
10%
Attendance
15%
Active participation
 Includes participation in several classes specifically devoted to participatory policy debate,
presentations or other discussion
 Come to every class specifically prepared to share your comments and questions about
readings assigned for that day. We will often start class by calling on several students.
 General engagement and participation in all classes
25%
Research paper
 In-depth discussion of an area touched on in the course: choose a special population, another
system (such as education or criminal justice) or a current policy, and prepare a detailed paper
on that topic. Sample titles and papers will be distributed in class.
 10-12 pages (undergraduates) or 15-18 pages (graduate students)
 Summary (2-3 sentences) and formal 1-2 page outline Due February 3. For the outline, you
should indicate the subtopics that you plan to cover for the paper.
 Formatting: 1.5 line spacing, 11 pt font, 1 inch margins.
 Citations: 10-15 references, and the majority of those should be from academic journals or
books. Citations within the text should use APA style with the full citation in the bibliography at
the end. The bibliography does not count toward the page limits.
 Due March 31
25%
Midterm exam
 In class March 3
25%
Final exam
 In class April 23
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic integrity is central to the mission of educational excellence at Brandeis University. Violations of University
policy on academic integrity, described in Section 3 of Rights and Responsibilities, may result in failure in the course
or on the assignment, and could end in suspension from the University. If you are in doubt about the instructions for
any assignment in this course it is your responsibility to ask for clarification.
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Each student is expected to turn in work that he or she completed independently, unless specifically noted
otherwise.
Plagiarism: It is unacceptable to use information from other sources without proper citation, whether those sources
are published or unpublished (e.g., web sites). Assignments that appear to be instances of plagiarism may be
returned to the student for revision, considered incomplete, or reported to the university, at the discretion of the
instructor. Such behavior will also be considered a serious deficiency in grading pertaining to the particular
assignment. If you are unsure about what constitutes plagiarism it is your responsibility to ask for clarification.
DISABILITY STATUS
If you are a student with a documented disability on record at Brandeis University and wish to have reasonable
accommodation made for you in class, please see one of the instructors immediately.
OTHER RESOURCES
Writing assistance: The University provides writing assistance if you need help with this component of
assignments: http://www.brandeis.edu/programs/writing/writingcenter/. We encourage you to use this resource as
needed since clarity and organization of writing will affect grading.
Counseling services: The University provides counseling services through the Psychological Counseling Center: (781)
736-3730 (M-F, 9-5); 781-239-8312 (24 hour), http://www.brandeis.edu/studentaffairs/counseling/index.html
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
1. Tuesday, January 13: Introduction to course and overview of behavioral health



Edberg. Essentials of Health Behavior. Sudbury MA: Jones & Bartlett, 2007. Ch 1: The Links Between
Health and Behavior (pp.3-9) (LATTE)
Sharma, Ch 1: Mental Health, Mental Illness and Historical Perspectives, pp.1-28
Abadinsky, Ch 1: An Introduction to Drug Use and Abuse pp. 1-8
2. Thursday, January 15: Symptoms, disorders, mental health and co-occurring disorders





Mechanic. Mental Health and Social Policy, 5th edition. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2008. Ch 1: Mental Health
and the Health Professions, pp.1-6 (LATTE)
Sharma, Ch 2: Understanding Major Psychotic Disorders, pp.29-34
Sharma, Ch 6: Understanding Mood, Anxiety, and Personality Disorders, pp.45-69
National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH). Depression. (LATTE)
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/depression-booklet_34625.pdf
National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH). Schizophrenia. (LATTE)
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-booket-2009_34643.pdf
Optional Reading:
 Comorbidity: Addiction and Other Mental Illnesses. NIDA publication, December 2008, revised 2010
(LATTE) http://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/rrcomorbidity.pdf

Schwartz, Alan. “The Selling of Attention Deficit Disorder.” The New York Times 14 December 2013.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/15/health/the-selling-of-attention-deficit-disorder.html
HSSP 115b Spring 2015
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3. Tuesday, January 20: Substance use disorders




Abadinsky, Ch 3: Depressants, pp.39-49 (heroin/opiates), pp.55-63 (alcohol)
Abadinsky, Ch 4: Stimulants, pp.69-80 (cocaine)
Abadinsky, Ch 5: Hallucinogens, Marijuana, Inhalants, Prescription Drugs, pp.110-114 (marijuana),
pp.116-121 (prescription drugs)
Abadinsky, Ch 6: Section on Stages of Use, pp. 137-140
4. Thursday, January 22: Policy debate: Drinking age (Class participation – instructions to be provided)

Babor Alcohol, Ch 9: Regulating the physical availability of alcohol, pp.139-141 (LATTE)

“Keeping Legal Drinking Age at 21 Saves 900 Lives Yearly: Study.” Huffington Post. 24
February 2014. (LATTE)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/24/legal-drinking-age-21-saves-lives_n_4847191.html
Facts Sheet: Age 21 Minimum Legal Drinking Age. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
24 March 2014. http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/mlda.htm (LATTE)

5. Tuesday, January 27: History and theories: Mental disorders



Mechanic, Ch 4: Conceptions of the Causes of and Means of Controlling Mental Illness, pp.68-95 (LATTE)
Mechanic, Ch 9: Institutionalism and Deinstitutionalization, pp.192-194 (LATTE)
Rochefort DA. From Poorhouses to Homelessness: Policy Analysis and Mental Health Care, 2nd ed.
Westport, CT: Auburn House, 1997. Ch 2: U.S. Mental Health Care – the first three centuries, pp.17-32
(LATTE)
Optional Reading:
 Hinshaw SP, Cicchetti D. Stigma and mental disorder: conceptions of illness, public attitudes, personal
disclosure, and social policy. Dev Psychopathol. 2000; 12(4):555-98 (LATTE)
 Waters E (2010). Americanization of Mental Illness. New York Times Magazine. 10Jan2010 (LATTE)
6. Thursday, January 29: History and theories: Substance use disorders


Abadinsky, Ch 8: History of Drug Use and Drug Legislation, pp.190-224 (skim)
Abadinsky, Ch 6: Psychology and Sociology of Drug Use and Abuse, pp.125-136 (skim pp. 127-131); 140150
7. Tuesday, February 3: Library and Writing Center introductions; Overview of underlying science


Abadinsky, Ch 2: Biology of Psychoactive Substances, pp. 21-36
BrainExplorer.org:
o Depression: http://www.brainexplorer.org/depression/Depression_Aetiologi.shtml
o PTSD: http://www.brainexplorer.org/ptsd/PTSD_Aetiology.shtml
o Schizophrenia: http://www.brainexplorer.org/schizophrenia/Schizophrenia_Aetiology.shtml
Optional Reading:
 www.BrainExplorer.org
 Leshner AI. (1997). Addiction is a brain disease and it matters. Science, 278: 45-47
*** PAPER OUTLINE DUE***
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8. Thursday, February 5: Epidemiology and consequences of mental disorders





Goode, Ch 6: How Do We Know It’s True – Methods of Research, pp.149-154 (LATTE)
Kessler RC, Merikangas KR, Wang PS. The Epidemiology of Mental Disorders. In Levin BL and Hennesy,
(Eds.), Mental Health Services: A Public Health Perspective, 3rd Edition. New York, NY: Oxford University
Press, 2010. Ch 7: The Epidemiology of Mental Disorders, pp.169-200 [skim]
Katon W. The impact of depression on workplace functioning and disability costs. American Journal of
Managed Care. 2009; 15:S322-S327 (LATTE)
Insel TR. Assessing the economic costs of serious mental illness (editorial). American Journal of
Psychiatry. June 2008, 165(6):663-665 PDF document (LATTE)
Breslau J, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Kendler K, Su M, Williams D, and Kessler RC. Specifying race-ethnic
differences in risk for psychiatric disorder in a USA national sample. Psychological Medicine. 2006; 36:5768 (LATTE)
Optional Reading:
 Yohannes AM, Willgoss TG, Baldwin RC, Connolly MJ. Depression and anxiety in chronic heart failure and
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: prevalence, relevance, clinical implications and management
principles. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2009; Epub: DOI: 10.1002/gps.2463 (LATTE)
 Gonzalez JS, Peyrot M, Mccarl LA, et al. Depression and diabetes treatment nonadherence: A metaanalysis. Diabetes Care 31:2398–2403, 2008 (LATTE)
9. Tuesday, February 10: Epidemiology and consequences of substance use disorders


Abadinsky, Ch 1: An Introduction to Drug Use and Abuse, pp.13-18
National Institute on Drug Abuse. DrugFacts: Nationwide Trends. July 2014:
http://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/drugfactsnationwidetrends1.pdf



Goode, Ch 7: Historical Trends in Drug Consumption: From Past to Current Use, pp.169-173 (LATTE)
Abadinsky, Ch 1: Section on Drug Use and Crime/Violence, pp. 8-13
Choose one of these:
o Babor et al. Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity, 2nd edition. New York: Oxford University Press,
2010. Ch 4: The Global Burden of Alcohol Consumption, pp. 43-70 (LATTE)
o Babor et al. Drug Policy and the Public Good. New York: Oxford University Press, 2010. Ch 4:
Harms Associated with Illicit Drug Use, pp.47-61 (LATTE)
Optional Reading:
 Abadinsky, Ch 10: Drug Laws and Drug Enforcement, pp. 260-286
 Abadinsky, Ch 9: Drug Trafficking, pp.227-257
 Zweben JE. Special Issues in Treatment: Women. In Reis RK, Fiellin DA, Miller SC, Saitz R (Eds.), Principles
of Addiction Medicine, 4th Edition. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009.
Ch 34, pp. 465-477 (LATTE)
 Warner LA, Valdez A, Vega WA, de la Rosa M, Turner JR, Canino G. Hispanic drug abuse in an evolving
cultural context: An agenda for research. Drug Alcohol and Dependence. 2006; 84S:S8-S16 (LATTE)
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10. Thursday, February 12: Prevention and early Intervention



Abadinsky, Ch 7: Preventing and Treating Drug Use, pp.153-165
Babor Alcohol Ch 13: Education and Persuasion Strategies, pp.199-216 (LATTE)
World Health Organization Summary Report: Prevention of Mental Disorders – Effective Interventions and
Policy Options. World Health Organization and Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse,
2004, pp.24-52.
http://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/en/prevention_of_mental_disorders_sr.pdf (LATTE)
[MIDTERM RECESS]
11. Tuesday, February 24: Treatment overview




Merrick EL, Reif S. Services in an Era of Managed Care. In Lubotsky BL (ed.). Women’s Mental Health
Services, 2010, pp.201-211; 214-217 [Rest of Ch is optional] (LATTE)
Levin, Ch 11: Treatment System for Alcohol and Drug Disorders (LATTE)
Babor, Drug Policy, Ch 15: Health and social services for drug users: Systems issues, pp.235-248
Tomes N. The patient as a policy factor: a historical case study of the consumer/survivor movement in
mental health. Health Affairs (Millwood). 2006 May-Jun; 25(3):720-9. (LATTE)
Optional Reading:

Mechanic D. More People Than Ever Before Are Receiving Behavioral Health Care In The United States,
But Gaps And Challenges Remain. Health Affairs, 33, no.8 (2014):1416-1424 (LATTE)
12. Thursday, February 26: Behavioral Health in Media; Midterm Review

Class participation: Find example of mental health or substance use disorders as portrayed in media.
Describe and discuss whether and how it is accurate/inaccurate; likely impact on public.
13. Tuesday, March 3: IN-CLASS MIDTERM EXAM
14. Thursday, March 5: Substance abuse treatment, recovery




National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment, 3rd ed. NIH Publication
No. 12-4180, 2012. http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment, pp.137 (LATTE)
Abadinsky, Ch 7: Preventing and Treating Drug Use, pp.165-182 [Skim 178-179]
Gagne C, White W, Anthony WA. Recovery: A common vision for the fields of mental
health and addictions. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal. 2007; 31(1): 32-37 (LATTE)
SAMHSA (2012). SAMHSA’s Working Definition of Recovery – 10 Guiding Principles.
http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content/PEP12-RECDEF/PEP12-RECDEF.pdf
15. Tuesday, March 10: Mental health treatment


Sharma, Ch 4: Essentials of Psychopharmacology and Treatment of Mental Health Disorders, pp.70-103
Read "Psychotherapies" section of NIMH website:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies/index.shtml
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Optional Reading:
 NIMH Mental Health Medications: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-healthmedications/complete-index.shtml
 Menand L. Head case: Can psychiatry be a science? The New Yorker. March 1, 2010; pp.1-8
 Pettus A. Psychiatry by prescription: Do psychotropic drugs blur the boundaries between illness and
health? Harvard Magazine. July-Aug 2006.
http://harvardmagazine.com/2006/07/psychiatry-by-prescripti.html
 Angell M (2011). The Epidemic of Mental Illness: Why? New York Review of Books.
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2011/jun/23/epidemic-mental-illness-why/?pagination=false
16. Thursday, March 12: Mental health consumers from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
In Our Own Voice – Guest speakers
VISIT website of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). www.nami.org (LATTE)
17. Tuesday, March 17: Payment and financing of behavioral health treatment
Guest lecturer: Constance Horgan, Sc.D., Heller School


Stewart MT, Horgan CM. (2011). Health Services and Financing of Treatment. Alcohol Research and
Health, 33: 389-394.
Mental Health Financing in the United States, A Primer. Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the
Uninsured, April 2011.
18. Thursday, March 19: Guest speaker from Alcoholics Anonymous


Abadinsky, Ch 7: Section on AA/NA, pp.182-185
VISIT websites for Alcoholics Anonymous (www.aa.org), Narcotics Anonymous (www.na.org) and Smart
Recovery (www.smartrecovery.org)
19. Tuesday, March 24: Policy overview and current substance abuse policy approaches




Babor Alcohol, Ch 15: The Policy Arena, pp.227-238 (LATTE)
Abadinsky, Ch 11: United States Policy, pp.289-309
Abadinsky, Ch 12: Decriminalization, legalization and harm reduction, pp.311-324
Read one for discussion:
o Babor Alcohol, Ch 8: Controlling Affordability: Pricing and Taxation, pp.109-125 (LATTE)
o Babor Alcohol, Ch 9: Regulating the Physical Availability of Alcohol, pp.127-146 (LATTE)
o Babor Alcohol, Ch 10: Modifying the Drinking Context, pp.147-163 (LATTE)
o Babor Alcohol, Ch 11: Drinking-Driving Prevention and Countermeasures, pp.165-183 (LATTE)
o Babor Alcohol, Ch 12: Restrictions on Marketing, pp.185-197 (LATTE)
o Babor Drug Policy, Ch 12: Prescription Regimes and Other Measures to Control Misuse of
Pyschopharmaceuticals, pp. 179-200
Optional Reading:
 Babor, Ch 1: Setting the Policy Agenda, pp.1-9 (LATTE)
 Mechanic, Ch 5: The Development of Mental Health Policy in the U.S., pp.96-123 (LATTE)
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20. Thursday, March 26: Violence and behavioral health/legal issues
Guest lecturer: Kenneth Appelbaum, M.D., University of Massachusetts Medical Center


Choe JY, Teplin LA, Abram KM. (2008). Perpetration of violence, violent victimization, and severe mental
illness. Psychiatric Services, 59(2): 153-164. (LATTE)
Treatment Advocacy Center Backgrounder. Violent Behavior: One of the Consequences of Failing to Treat
Individuals with Severe Mental Illnesses. Treatment Advocacy Center. April 2011. (LATTE)
Optional Reading:
 Appelbaum KL, Appelbaum PS. Forensic Psychiatry. In: Goldman, HH, editor. Review of General
Psychiatry, Fourth Edition. Appleton and Lang, 1995, pp. 530-539 (LATTE)
 Clark HW and Bizzell AC. Ethical issues in addiction practice in ASAM Principles of Addiction Medicine,
Fourth Edition. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams abd Wilkens, 2009. (LATTE)
21. Tuesday, March 31: Lifespan view of mental health



National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). ADHD. (LATTE)
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Autism Spectrum Disorders. (LATTE)
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml
Morris DL. (2001). Geriatric Mental Health: An Overview. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses
Association, 7(6): S2-S7. (LATTE)
Optional Reading
 Harmon A. Autistic and Seeking a Place in an Adult World. New York Times, September 17, 2011. (LATTE)
*** RESEARCH PAPER DUE ***
22. Thursday, April 2: Overview of tobacco use, treatment, consequences and policy
Guest lecturer: Deborah McLellan, PhD, Dana-Farber Cancer Center

Abadinsky, Ch 4: Stimulants (nicotine), pp.88-93
Optional Reading:
 Ksir C et al. Drugs, Society and Human Behavior, 12th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2008. Ch 10: Tobacco,
pp.236-258. (LATTE)
 Sweanor D and Yach D. (2013). Guest Editorial: Looking for the next breakthrough in tobacco control and
health. South African Medical Journal, 103(11):810-811. (LATTE)
 Saloojee Y and Yach D. (2013). Smoke, fire and mirrors: The e-cigarette debate. South African Medical
Journal, 103(11):818-819. (LATTE)
[PASSOVER AND SPRING RECESS]
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23. Tuesday, April 14: Health reform and parity




SAMHSA (2010). Understanding health reform: Quick facts on health reform (LATTE)
Healthcare.gov. Please review website. http://www.healthcare.gov/index.html (LATTE)
Barry CL and Huskamp HA. (2011). Moving beyond parity – mental health and addiction care under the
ACA. New England Journal of Medicine, 365: 973-975. (LATTE)
Mechanic D. (2011). Behavioral health and health care reform. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law,
36(3): 527-531.
24. Thursday, April 16: Policy Discussion – Marijuana

Readings TBD
25. Thursday, April 21: Student presentations, course review
26. Tuesday, April 23: FINAL EXAM (In-class)
HSSP 115b Spring 2015
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HSSP 115b Spring 2014 - Abadinsky Readings
Topic
Introduction to drug use and abuse
Depressants (heroin/opiates, alcohol)
Stimulants (cocaine)
Other drugs (marijuana, prescription drugs)
Stages of drug use
OPTIONAL - other drugs
History
Theories
Theories, continued, 7th edition only
Science
Prevalence
Drug use and crime/violence
OPTIONAL - Drug laws and enforcement
OPTIONAL - Business of drugs/Drug trafficking
Prevention
Tobacco/nicotine
Treatment
8th Edition
Chapter
Pages
1
1-8
3
39-49, 55-63
4
69-80
5
110-114, 116-121
6
137-140
3, 4, 5
Remainder
8
190-224
6
125-136, 140-150
2
21-36
1
13-18
1
8-13
10
260-296
9
227-257
7
153-165
4
88-93
7
165-182
7th Edition
Chapter
Pages
1
1-12
4
89-101, 107- 118
5
122-135
6
170-173, 175-183
7
188-193
4,5,6
Remainder
2
28-68 (skim)
7
193-203
8
206-222
3
72-87
1
12-20
1
20-26
12
334-369
11
290-331
9
224-243
5
143-149
10
244-287
HSSP 115b Spring 2014 - Sharma Readings
Topic
Mental Health, Mental Illness and Historical Perspectives
Understanding Major Psychotic Disorders
Understanding Mood, Anxiety, and Personality Disorders
Essentials of Psychopharmacology and Treatment of MH Disorders
HSSP 115b Spring 2015
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Customized book
Chapter Pages
1
1-28
2
29-34
3
45-69
4
70-103
Complete book
Chapter
Pages
1
1-28
5
91-96
6
107-131
8
161-194