Physiological treatments

• The main physiological treatments are nicotine substitutes, drug treatments for alcohol addiction, over the counter stress remedies and exercise
• Nicotine replacement therapy provides a nicotine dose using skin patches, gum, tablets and nasal spray instead of tobacco. The dose is more controlled and cleaner. Gum, inhalers and sprays have immediate effects to reduce cravings, patches have long term benefits. Combining two methods can be the most effective. The nicotine molecules attach to receptors in the VTA and this stimulates the release of dopamine in the NA. withdrawal symptoms can be managed as the doses can be reduced over time, avoiding chance of relapse.
• Disulfiram and Acamprosate are two drugs used to treat alcohol addiction. Disulfiram makes the drinker very sensitive to alcohol, giving them a very quick experience of of a severe hangover. The client then associates alcohol with these unpleasant effects and so stay away from drinking. Acamprosate stabilises the level of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which becomes disrupted during withdrawal. This reduces the clients craving for alcohol
• Valerian, chamomile and lavender are three over the counter remedies for stress. They come from herbs and contain chemicals that have a calming effect , reducing anxiety and promoting better sleep. Even though they are ‘natural’, they still alter s persons physiological and psychological functions
• Physical activity is often prescribed by GPs as a way of reducing stress. Exercise fights the negative effects of stress by replicating the symptoms of ‘fight or flight’, which provides the body with small doses of stress, increasing resilience and a protecting effect against daily stress. It also works as a distraction. The release of endorphins relieve pain and increases the production of dopamine which provides both a short term (runners high) and long term mood benefits (improved mood, relaxation and self image)
• A strength of physiological treatments is that they are flexible and have a wide range of uses. Nicotine substitutes come in different forms, some drug treatments can be used outside a hospital environment, over the counter remedies can be used alongside other treatments and exercise can range from different levels. Therefore physiological treatments can be used by many people and alongside other treatments
• A weakness of physiological treatments is they can have harmful side effects. Nicotine substitutes and the over the counter remedy Valerian can have side effects such as headaches and insomnia. Exercise can cause injury and dependence the the endorphins ’high’. Therefore the benefits of physiological treatments need to be weighed up against the risk of side effects which may make another treatment a better option