Addiction - treating addiction (drug therapy) Flashcards
What is drug therapy?
Drug therapy refers to interventions using medication to treat addiction. These drugs interact with receptors or enzymes in the brain to reduce cravings and the desire to engage in addictive behaviours.
How does nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) work?
NRT, such as gum, inhalers, or patches, gradually releases nicotine into the bloodstream at lower levels than cigarettes, without harmful chemicals. It binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, stimulating dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, reducing cravings and preventing relapse. NRT helps individuals control cigarette cravings, improve mood, and prevent relapse by gradually reducing nicotine intake over time.
How do opioid antagonists work to treat addiction? Give an example of an opioid antagonist
Opioid antagonists, like Naltrexone, bind to opioid receptors, blocking them and preventing the rewarding feelings associated with addictive substances or behaviours. This reduces the reinforcing properties of addiction, such as gambling.
What are agonists, and how are they used in addiction treatment?
Agonists are drug substitutes that activate neuron receptors to mimic the effects of addictive substances. For example, methadone is used to treat heroin addiction by satisfying cravings for euphoria, with fewer side effects and more controlled administration. Agonists like methadone help stabilize addicts by controlling withdrawal symptoms.
What are aversive drugs used for in addiction treatment?
Aversive drugs create unpleasant consequences, such as nausea or vomiting, when the addict engages in the addictive behaviour. For example, Disulfiram is used to treat alcoholism by causing hypersensitivity to alcohol.
How does Disulfiram help treat alcoholism?
Disulfiram causes unpleasant symptoms (e.g., nausea) shortly after consuming alcohol, deterring individuals from drinking by associating alcohol consumption with negative consequences.
What research supports the effectiveness of opioid antagonists in treating gambling addiction?
Kim et al (2002) conducted a 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial, where they found that naltrexone reduced the frequency and intensity of gambling urges, as well as gambling behaviour itself. This suggests opioid antagonists reduce urges to gamble, indicating that drug therapy is an effective method of reducing gambling addiction.
What is a problem with opioid antagonists like Naltrexone?
A problem is that opioid antagonists block the brain’s reward system, which can reduce pleasure from other activities, such as sports or sex, making life feel less rewarding while on the drug. Many addicts choose not to continue with treatment because the drug can make previously pleasurable activities feel uninspiring, which can diminish overall quality of life.
What are some side effects of drug therapy for gambling addiction, such as NRT and Naltrexone?
Common side effects include sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, dizziness, headaches, and, in the case of naltrexone, severe effects like vomiting, hallucinations, and blurred vision. This may cause patients to discontinue the treatment due to discomfort or lack of immediate benefits.
What is a limitation of drug therapy for gambling addiction?
A limitation is that drug therapies tend to treat symptoms without addressing the underlying causes of addiction, which may lead to relapse when the drug is discontinued.
Why might drug therapy alone be ineffective in treating gambling addiction?
Drug therapy alone might be ineffective because it doesn’t address the emotional and psychological factors behind the addiction, such as the gambler’s perceived loss of control.
How does biological treatment help severe addicts?
Biological treatments are particularly effective for addictions involving chemical changes in the brain, such as smoking or heroin addiction, where dependence is more physical. Severe addictions are better treated as the focus on managing withdrawal symptoms can provide stabilization that psychological therapies may not achieve.
