17.5.1 Drug Therapy

• What is the defining characteristic of addiction?

  Compulsive engagement in behavior
• Addiction involves a loss of control over behavior and continued use despite harm.
• Drug therapy is a common approach to addiction treatment that aims to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse
• What is the primary mechanism of action of opioid agonists in drug therapy?

  Activates opioid receptors
• Benzodiazepines enhance GABA activity to reduce anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in alcohol or sedative addiction.GABA
• Methadone is an example of an opioid agonist used to reduce cravings in opioid addiction.
• Main goals of drug therapy in addiction treatment

  1️⃣ Manage withdrawal symptoms

  2️⃣ Reduce cravings

  3️⃣ Prevent relapse
• What is the main goal of drug therapy in managing withdrawal symptoms?

  Ease discomfort and stabilize
• Addiction involves a loss of control over behavior and continued use despite negative consequences.
• Drug therapy in addiction treatment aims to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse
• What is the mechanism of action of opioid antagonists in drug therapy?

  Blocks opioid receptors
• Antidepressants are used in drug therapy to balance neurotransmitters and reduce cravings in alcohol or stimulant addiction.cravings
• Drug therapy in addiction treatment aims to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse
• Opioid agonists activate opioid receptors to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
• What type of drug blocks opioid receptors to prevent drug effects and relapse?

  Opioid antagonists
• Benzodiazepines enhance the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety and withdrawal
• Antidepressants balance neurotransmitter levels to reduce cravings and mood issues.
• Which opioid agonist is commonly used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms in opioid addiction?

  Methadone
• One goal of drug therapy is to manage withdrawal symptoms
• Drug therapy aims to prevent relapse by blocking drug effects or reducing the desire to return to the substance.
• What is methadone used for in opioid addiction treatment?

  Reduce withdrawal and cravings
• Opioid agonists mimic the effects of opioids to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
• How do opioid antagonists prevent relapse in addiction therapy?

  Block opioid receptors
• Benzodiazepines enhance the activity of GABA, which calms the brain and reduces anxiety
• Addiction is characterized by compulsive engagement in a behavior despite negative consequences.
• What are the primary goals of drug therapy in addiction treatment?

  Manage withdrawal, reduce cravings, prevent relapse
• One goal of drug therapy is to manage withdrawal symptoms, reducing the physical and psychological stress associated with cessation
• Opioid agonists stabilize individuals during withdrawal by activating opioid receptors.
• Which opioid antagonist prevents euphoria from opioids?

  Naltrexone
• Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety during withdrawal by enhancing GABA activity.
• Antidepressants balance neurotransmitter levels to reduce cravings and improve mood
• What is the mechanism of action of anti-craving drugs in alcohol addiction?

  Affect neurotransmitter pathways
• Opioid agonists activate opioid receptors to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
• Opioid antagonists block opioid receptors, preventing opioids from having an effect
• Which anti-craving drug reduces cravings for alcohol by affecting neurotransmitter pathways?

  Acamprosate
• Opioid agonists activate opioid receptors to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings by mimicking the effects of opioids
• Opioid antagonists block opioid receptors, preventing opioid drugs from having an effect and reducing relapse.
• Benzodiazepines enhance the activity of GABA, reducing anxiety and withdrawal symptoms by calming the brain
• Antidepressants balance neurotransmitter levels such as serotonin and dopamine to reduce cravings and improve mood.
• Anti-craving drugs affect neurotransmitter pathways in the brain to reduce the desire for alcohol