Evaluation

• Strength: Cost effective - compared to other treatments 


  -Drugs are relatively cheap. CBT is an alternative method which is costly as treatment can last a few months and requires trained professionals.

  -Drugs have a positive impact on the economy, reducing strain on NHS.
• Strength - Reduces stigma 


  -It changes the view that addiction is a form of psychological weakness.

  -So addiction becomes less stigmatised as more people begin to accept that a neurological unbalance, so can't be the addicts fault.
• Weakness - side effects 


  like sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems and dizziness.
• Strength - research support for effectiveness of NTR/Naltrexone

  -Stead et al reviewed 150 research studies into the effectiveness of NRT.

  -Can conclude that all forms of NRT is significantly more effective in helping smokers quit than placebo effect and no treatment.

  -The provided effective treatment shows validity that neurochemical explanation of nicotine addiction may lead to further life saving therapies.