reducing addictive behaviour Flashcards
What is an aversive?
- biological treatments ao1
A biological treatment that produces unpleasant consequences.
For example, vomiting.
How can aversive’s be used with an alcoholic?
An alcoholic can take a pill which would give them the effects of a severe hangover within 5-10 minutes if they choose to drink as well.
This leads the addict to associate the negative consequence of carrying out their addictive behaviour with the addiction itself; therefore, they would no longer want to continue the addiction as they don’t want the negative consequences.
What is an agonist?
- biological treatments ao1
A drug substitute. It binds to neuron receptors and activates them, creating a similar response to addictive drug. Stabilises the addict as they help deal with withdrawal symptoms, with fewer side effects.
How can an agonist be used with smokers?
Nicotine replacement therapy can be used as a drug substitute. Examples include gum, patches and inhalers. This substitute provides nicotine to the addict without the other harmful elements of a cigarette. This nicotine binds to the acetylcholine receptors stimulating the release dopamine, resulting in a pleasure response. Nicotine levels can be reduced over time.
What is an antagonist?
- biological treatment ao1
A biological treatment that binds to receptor sites and block them, stopping the drug having it’s usual response.
How can an antagonist be used with gamblers?
There is no approved drugs to treat a gambling addiction. Naltrexone, an antagonist, blocks the release of dopamine by increasing the neurotransmitter GABA.
Are biological treatments appropriate? - ao3
+ Quick and cheap = convenient for a lot of people. Available on the NHS.
- Side effects = NRT includes sleep disturbance, dizziness and headaches. Naltrexone requires a high dose resulting in muscle spasms, anxiety and depression.
Are biological treatments effective?
+ Research shows its effective = meta-analysis of 136 studies concluded NRT was significantly more effective than placebo and no therapy. Increased quitting rates by 60%.
However, there is publication bias as it only includes published data which doesn’t usually include insignificant results or studies that show no effect.
