Addiction (Antagonist and Agonist Substitution) Flashcards
What do drugs for substance use addiction do at the synapse level?
They work at the level of the synapse to alter behavior.
What are agonist drugs?
Agonist drugs produce a response and imitate the reaction of another drug (e.g., heroin).
What are antagonist drugs?
Antagonist drugs block the usual function of a substance and prevent pleasurable effects, making it less rewarding.
What is agonist substitution?
Agonist substitution involves using a drug like methadone to replace the addictive substance and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
What is methadone used for?
Methadone is commonly used as a treatment for opioid addiction, like heroin.
How does heroin affect the brain?
Heroin causes an excess of dopamine release, making dopamine receptors less sensitive over time.
How does methadone work in treating heroin addiction?
Methadone occupies dopamine receptors, mimicking heroin’s effects without the high, reducing withdrawal symptoms.
How long does one dose of methadone reduce withdrawal symptoms?
One dose of methadone can reduce withdrawal symptoms for 24-36 hours.
What are the benefits of methadone compared to heroin?
Methadone reduces withdrawal without causing extreme highs and lows, and is taken orally, resulting in slower changes in blood concentration.
What happens after withdrawal symptoms are stabilized with methadone?
The dosage of methadone can gradually be lowered over time, aiding in detoxification.
What is antagonist substitution?
Antagonist substitution involves using drugs like naltrexone to block the effects of addictive substances.
How does naltrexone work?
Naltrexone blocks dopamine receptors, preventing the euphoria associated with opioid use and helping prevent relapse.
What happens if someone takes opioids while on naltrexone?
They would not experience a high because naltrexone blocks the dopamine receptors.
How long can naltrexone be used for?
Naltrexone can be used for up to 6 months.
What must happen before using naltrexone in treatment?
The addict must have overcome withdrawal symptoms before using naltrexone.
What is the mesolimbic pathway, and how does naltrexone affect it?
Naltrexone prevents the activation of the mesolimbic pathway, which is involved in reward processing, and may be used for other addictions.
What did NICE assess about methadone’s effectiveness?
NICE found higher retention rates for people using methadone compared to placebo or no treatment, and lower rates of illicit opioid use.
What did Van den Brink and Hassan (2006) conclude about methadone?
Methadone is effective as a maintenance treatment when the dosage is adequate.
What are some advantages of methadone?
Methadone has a longer duration of action than heroin, reduces relapse chances, and helps individuals achieve legal, social, and financial stability.
What did Gowing et al. (2001) find about methadone programs?
Methadone programs are effective at reducing the physical and social consequences of drug use.
What is buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine is a milder medication with both agonist and antagonist properties, reducing withdrawal symptoms and blocking the euphoria associated with opioids.
How did Marteau et al. (2015) compare buprenorphine and methadone?
Buprenorphine was found to be six times safer than methadone and more effective at retaining patients in treatment.
What did Lahti et al. (2010) find about naltrexone for gamblers?
Naltrexone led to significant decreases in gambling levels when gamblers took it before gambling or when they felt the urge.
What is the limitation of naltrexone for heroin users?
Naltrexone is only effective for those who are highly motivated to quit, but not for those who are less motivated.
What are some potential side effects of methadone and naltrexone?
Both drugs have potential side effects, and there is a risk of overdose.
What ethical concern is associated with drug treatments for addiction?
Drug treatments may be a quick fix for complex issues, treating symptoms rather than addressing the causes of addiction.
How does methadone treatment impact society?
Methadone treatment reduces criminality and offending rates by half when addicts are in treatment (National Treatment Agency, 2009).
What did Gyngell (2011) claim about drug treatment and reoffending?
Despite availability of drug treatments, drug-related reoffending has continued to rise.
What role does social deprivation play in addiction?
Social deprivation is strongly linked to problematic drug use and can make addicts less likely to get care or treatment.
What is a limitation of methadone in preventing addiction?
Methadone treatment does not prevent the initiation of addiction; it only helps those who are already addicted.
Can methadone be sold?
Yes, methadone can sometimes be sold on, leading to potential misuse.
What is the cost of methadone treatment?
Methadone treatment can be expensive.
