Methods of Modifying Behaviour 1: Agonist and antagonist substitution

Question 1

Describe an Agonist

Answer 1

An agonist binds to receptors in the brain and mimics other chemicals causing a reaction that produces pleasure.

Question 2

Describe an Antagonist

Answer 2

An antagonist binds to receptors in the brain but blocks other chemicals from causing a pleasurable reaction.

Question 3

Describe Methadone

Answer 3

To treat opioid drug addiction for drugs like heroin, it mimics the effects of heroin, should be used via detoxification and then eventual abstinence.

Question 4

Methadone Evaluation

Answer 4

Cheap, easy to start, easy to stabilise quickly, well known and understood, minimises criminality, long-acting agonist etc.
More addictive than heroin as longer withdrawals, hard to come off, toxic in overdose, risk of trading etc.

Question 5

Describe Naltrexone

Answer 5

Naltrexone is used in the abstinence stage of recovery. It blocks pleasurable effects of opioids, It is a treatment approved in the USA and Russia.