Key Question Flashcards
What is ur key question
What are the implications for society if addiction is treated with drug therapy
What have studies found
Mz and Dz twins genetic factors
MZ and DZ twins genetic factors contribute to the risk for life time drug abuse
What treatment is used
Methadone
What is methadone
Substitute for heroin
Activates the MU receptors
How does methadone affect the brain
Activates mu receptors
How does methadone help heroin addiction
The cravings are suppressed
Reduces withdrawal symptoms ( headaches/ dysphoria)
Why help addicts
Stop the cycle - prevent crack babies
Stops theft and weakens gangs
Loss of dignity- sex work
Social costs - family broken up
Sharing needles - HIV
Statistics
15K ppl are on methadone treatment programme
It’s cost England 3.6bn a yr
Strength
Methadone doses - easily controlled by medical professionals - allowing addicts to break dependence on opioid >
The addicts will feel less withdrawn > be able to live and work normally as they have fewer craving= less crimes
Weakness
Drug treatment may not be effective for addiction treatment due to reduction of doses users will still feel withdrawals such as vomiting and cramps so may not continue programme
So drug therapy may not be effective alone ppt can relapse due to social factors
Risk nhs losing 💰
Summary of strength points
Methadone doses reduced
Less cravings
Stop drugs
Less withdrawal
Ppt live and work
Stop crimes
Summary for weakness points
Drug may not be effective
Still experience withdrawals
Cramps/ vomiting
Ppts may not want to continue
Ppts could relapse
Due to withdrawal factors
Nhs- lose money
