[A] Biological interventions

Question 1

What two types do drugs tend to fit into?

Answer 1

Agonists - a less harmful replacement for the addiction.

Antagonists - block target receptor sites.

Question 2

How does nicotine replacement therapy work?

Answer 2

It administers substitute nicotine through a range of products including patches, gum and inhalers.

Question 3

How does substitute nicotine act?

Answer 3

In the same way as regular nicotine, stimulating neurotransmitters.

Question 4

How is the person brought to a final quit?

Answer 4

The dosage of the nicotine replacement therapy is slowly weakened until the person is weaned off altogether.

Question 5

How is pharmaceutical nicotine safer?

Answer 5

It does not contain many of the harmful carcinogens found in cigarettes like tar.

Question 6

Consider how effective nicotine replacement therapy is in three points.

Answer 6

1. Alternative for those who can’t give up which is still safer.
2. Davidson et al reported 12 month abstinence rates of 28% for those on patches compared to 18% for placebos.
3. Some products can be uncomfortable or distasteful.

Question 7

What is naltrexone?

Answer 7

An antagonist drug which blocks opioid receptors, reducing pleasurable effects of the addictive substance.

Question 8

What is the central idea behind antagonist drugs?

Answer 8

Without the reinforcing effects, the user will no longer want to take the drug and the habit will be broken.

Question 9

What drug is prescribed for problem drinking?

Answer 9

Nalmefene.

Question 10

Consider how effective naltrexone is in three points.

Answer 10

1. Versatile, can be used on a variety of addictions including gambling.
2. Psychological symptoms of addiction are not treated/considered.
3. Can control unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.