Biological Treatments for Addiction Flashcards
What is the aim of NRT?
use a safer drug to provide a substitute for cigarettes.
What is NRT’s mode of action?
stimulates nicotine receptors in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway - leads to the release of dopamine.
reduces withdrawal symptoms, stops cravings - negative reinforcement - removes unpleasant circumstances of quitting smoking.
desensitises nicotine receptors in the brain - cigarettes become less rewarding - reduces relapse.
What are some examples of NRT?
Nicotine gum, patches, nasal sprays - replace the extreme effects of nicotine taken from tobacco.
What is the aim of mood stabilisers?
control mood - also used with mental illnesses such as Sz or bipolar.
Outline Hollander’s research.
tested effectiveness of mood stabilisers compared to a placebo on 40 pathological gamblers who also had bipolar.
over 10 weeks, the drug reduced urges and thoughts of gambling - but they did not gamble less or lose more money than the placebo group.
What does antabuse aim to do?
cause an unpleasant reaction when combined with alcohol.
how does antabuse work?
replaces the positive reaction of alcohol to the negative reaction of the drug.
causes the addict to vomit every time they drink - associate drinking with vomiting and will not wish to experience unpleasant physiological effects.
Evaluate biological treatments.
Only accounts for biological influences such as chemicals. neglects other ways to treat addiction such as CBT - challenges irrational thoughts which could lead to addiction. more effective to treat addiction using 2 treatments combined.
Side effects e.g. drowsiness/headaches - unlike psychological treatments. less appropriate.
Aetiology fallacy - just because the drugs work psychologists believe biological factors cause addiction. could be other factors such as faulty thinking. Not effective - doesn’t cure.
Drugs work more quickly - require less commitment/motivation from the client. More appropriate, more effective.
