Drug therapies - Reducing addiction

• Agonists - MIMIC 


  -They bind to the same receptor sites which creates similar psychological feelings which prevents withdrawal and dependency.

  -Used in controlled dosage, reduce addiction to heroin who use methadone which binds and activates opioid receptors in the brain.

  -Its a safer dosage of the drug.
• Antagonists - BLOCK


  -bind with the receptor whilst not activating them. Prevents the drug binding to the receptor whilst not activating them. Naltrexone binds with opioid receptors.

  -If a person on Naltrexone has alcohol or heroin the naltrexone blocks it so don't have same euphoric effect so no point in taking it.
• Aversives - PUNISH 


  -Use CC to associate the addictive substance or behaviour with an unpleasant stimuli (nausea).

  -In alcohol addiction, to treat it a drug called Disulphiram is used which stops the breakdown of alcohol in the body. So if patient on Disulphiram has alcohol then they will vomit. Then hopefully the patient associates the alcohol with the vomiting/nausea.
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)


  -is a type of agonist.

  -Gums, patches and inhalers

  -It provides the body with nicotine in a less harmful way. Gives a clean and controlled dosage which can be gradually reduced. Nicotine isn't the most harmful substance in a cigarette its the smoking and the other chemicals that are in them.

  -Using these NRT's make sure nicotine is still been regulated around the body and reduces withdraw symptoms and dependency.