6. Drug Therapy

Question 1

what are aversives? give an example. evaluate.

Answer 1

Aversives produce unpleasant consequences e.g. vomiting. An example is Antabuse, a treatment for alcoholism. Creates hypersensitivity to drug. Evaluation: alcohol is in many products, i.e. mouthwash. Makes day to day life a little complicated. Hard to make an alcoholic consume a drug that will make drinking unpleasant – may need a sponsor.

Question 2

what are agonists? give an example. evaluate.

Answer 2

Agonists are effectively drug substitutes i.e. methadone for heroin. They provide a similar effect to the drug but are much cleaner and safer. Evaluation: lower chance of needle-caused illness. Fewer harmful side effects. Cleaner. Client could still use heroin, potential highered risk of overdose and waste of government funding.

Question 3

what are antagonists? give an example. evaluate.

Answer 3

Antagonists bind to and block receptors, stopping the effect of alcohol/drugs. E.g. naltrexone for heroin. Evaluation: may lead to overdose in pursuit of high. Can take up to 6 months for effects. Stops all opioid drugs working, including morphine and paracetamol.

Question 4

what is the treatment for a) nicotine addiction and b) gambling addiction

Answer 4

a) agonist - nicotine replacement therapy

b) antagonist - naltrexone. reduces dopamine reduces craving to gamble. still being researched.

Question 5

evaluate the use of nicotine replacement therapy. (2)

Answer 5

• ndsey Stead et al conducted a meta-analysis of research into success of NRT and found people 70% more likely to abstain, proving effects of agonists.
• Side effects - headaches, sleep disturbances.