drug therapy Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is drug therapy?
Treatment involving drugs that affect brain or body system functioning, usually by altering neurotransmitter levels.
What are the three main types of drug therapy for addiction?
Aversives, Agonists, and Antagonists.
What is the purpose of aversives in drug therapy?
To produce unpleasant consequences, discouraging addictive behaviour.
Give an example of an aversive drug.
Disulfiram, used to treat alcohol addiction by causing severe nausea when alcohol is consumed.
What is the role of agonists in drug therapy?
To provide a similar effect to the addictive substance without the same harmful effects.
Give an example of an agonist.
Methadone, used to treat heroin addiction by satisfying cravings.
What is the role of antagonists in drug therapy?
To block receptor sites, preventing the substance from having its usual effects.
Give an example of an antagonist.
Naltrexone, used to reduce cravings in opioid and potentially gambling addiction.
What should be used alongside drug therapy?
Other interventions such as counselling.
What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)?
Provides nicotine in a cleaner form (gum, patches, inhalers) to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
How does NRT work?
Releases controlled doses of nicotine to activate acetylcholine receptors in the brain.
What is the mesolimbic pathway?
A brain pathway that releases dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, creating pleasure.
What is the goal of NRT?
To reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings over time.
What are the benefits of NRT?
Significantly more effective than placebo or no therapy, with a 60% increased quit rate.
What did Hartmann-Boyce et al. (2018) find?
NRT was significantly effective in helping smokers quit in a meta-analysis.
What is a potential issue with research on NRT?
Publication bias—positive results are more likely to be published.
Why might NRT not be as effective as thought?
Because of unpublished studies with non-significant results.
Are there approved drugs for gambling addiction?
No, but research is ongoing, especially on opioid antagonists like naltrexone.
Why might naltrexone be effective for gambling addiction?
It reduces the release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens.
What is GABA’s role in addiction?
Increased GABA activity reduces dopamine release, helping control addictive behaviours.
What are side effects of drug therapies?
Sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal issues, dizziness, headaches.
Why are side effects more significant in gambling addiction?
Higher drug doses are needed than for other addictions.
What is a limitation of drug therapy?
Side effects may cause patients to discontinue treatment.
What is a benefit of drug therapy?
It reduces stigma by framing addiction as a psychological illness.
