Alternatives To Addiction

Question 1

Flashcard 1: Types of Treatments for Substance Addiction

Answer 1

• Aversives:
  
  • Cause unpleasant effects (e.g., vomiting) when the addictive substance is consumed.
  • Helps create a negative association with the addictive substance.
• Agonists:
  
  • Are drug substitutes that activate the same receptors as the addictive drug.
  • Satisfy cravings but are less harmful (e.g., nicotine patches for smoking).
• Antagonists:
  
  • Block the receptors, preventing the addictive drug from having its usual effects.
  • Do not provide the euphoric feelings that addicts may crave.

Question 2

Flashcard 2: Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Answer 2

• What it does: Replaces nicotine with safer alternatives like gum, sprays, or patches.
• How it works:
  
  • Provides nicotine in controlled doses without harmful chemicals from cigarettes.
  • Gradually reduces the dose over time to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
• Benefits:
  
  • Can significantly reduce cravings.
  • Lowers the chances of relapse when used consistently.

Question 3

Flashcard 3: Drug Treatments for Alcohol Addiction

Answer 3

1. Disulfiram (aversive):
   
   • How it works: Creates a sensitivity to alcohol by disrupting the body’s normal processing of it.
   • Effects: Drinking alcohol causes nausea, headaches, or vomiting.
   • Goal: Discourages drinking by associating it with unpleasant effects.
2. Acamprosate - Antagonist:
   
   • How it works: Stabilizes brain chemicals (GABA neurotransmitter) that are affected during withdrawal.
   • Effects: Reduces cravings for alcohol and supports abstinence.
   • Goal: Helps clients avoid relapse during withdrawal.

Question 4

Flashcard 4: Over-the-Counter (OTC) Stress Remedies

Answer 4

• Common Remedies:
  
  • Valerian (tablets): Known for its calming and sedative effects.
  • Chamomile (tea): Helps reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
  • Lavender (oil): Reduces stress, promotes relaxation, and aids sleep.
• How they work:
  
  • These herbs contain chemicals with mild sedative effects, helping to ease physiological stress symptoms like high heart rate and difficulty sleeping.
• Note: Despite being “natural,” they still alter the body and mind, similar to prescription drugs.

Question 5

Flashcard 5: Advantages of Physiological Treatments

Answer 5

• Flexibility: Available in multiple forms to fit individual needs (e.g., gum, patches, or sprays for nicotine).
• Broad Use: Can reduce stress, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms.
• Wide Accessibility: Over-the-counter remedies are easily available without a prescription.

Question 6

Flashcard 6: Disadvantages of Physiological Treatments

Answer 6

• Side Effects:
  
  • NRT: Headaches, sleep disturbances, throat irritation.
  • Disulfiram: Numbness in hands and feet, low mood, and severe reactions if alcohol is consumed.
  • OTC remedies: May cause mild reactions that can sometimes outweigh their benefits.
• Risk of Stopping Treatment:
  
  • If side effects are too uncomfortable, patients might stop using the treatment, reducing its effectiveness.