Drug treatments Flashcards
what are the 3 different types of drug treatments for gambling
aversives
agonist
antagonists
how do aversive drug treatments work for addiction
these produce unpleasant consequences when you use the addictive substance
how do agonist drug treatments work for addiction
these are effective substitutes for the addictive substances to avoid withdrawal
how do antagonist drug treatments work for addiction
these block receptors sites so that dependence cannot have its usual effects
what are two examples of drug treatments for smoking addicts
nicotine replacement therapy (agonist)
Varenicline (partial agonist)
how does nicotine replacement therapy work + examples
replacements gradually release nicotine into the bloodstream at lower levels than cigs w/o any other harmful chemicals
By binding to receptor sites this stimulates the release of dopamine, similar to smoking – helping to control cravings and mood
examples: gum,patches,inhalers etc
how does varenicline work for nicotine addicts
it is a partial agonist
it binds to nicotine receptors and alleviates withdrawal symptoms as it it’ll stop the rewarding aspects of smoking as the receptor sites cannot absorb dopamine, therefore no pleasure is felt after smoking
how does SSRIs work to decrease gambling addiction
SSRIs are known to reduce depression and anxiety –> treating potential causes of need to gamble
also low levels of seretonin have been found in people with impaired impulse control –> inc seretonin w/SSRIs can reduce impulsive behaviours –> by completing thoughts
what drugs are used to treat nicotine addiction
Nicotine replacement therapy
varenicline
what drugs are used to treat gambling addiction
SSRIs
what drugs are used to treat herion addiction
methadone
is methadone an agonist or antagonist drug?
agonist
how does methadone work to reduce heroin addiction
it can be prescribed and by taking methadone it reduces the withdrawal symptoms if you stop using heroin.
what does taking methadone undersupervision of a doctor instead of street herion youre more likely too…
- more likely to get away from street drug scene
- likely to feel better in yourself
more likely to be able to get off drugs for good
what is a strength of drug treatments for addiction
P: a strength of drug treatments is that they’re quick, relatively inexpensive and require little conscious effort from the patient compared to CBT
E: unlike CBT that requires active participation, multiple sessions, drug treatments such as methadone can be easily prescribed and administered, allowing for efficient treatment for people
E: this makes drug treatments a highly accessible option as large numbers of patients efficiently is crucial in addressing widespread addiction
L: therefore, the ease and efficiency of drug treatments support their use as an intervention for addiction, helping individuals manage withdrawals, reducing relapse rates
what is a limitation of drug treatment for addiction
P: a limitation of drug treatment is that it may not always be safe as some agonist drugs can have side effects
E: for example, in 2007 the UK had 300 deaths due to methadone
E: raises ethical concerns about the appropriateness of replacement therapy, as it may simply substitute one addiction for another, leading to struggle for full recovery
L: this leads us to question if drug treatments truly provide a long term solution. perhaps mixing drug treatment w/psychological intervention may be more sustainable for recovery
