Physiological Treat and exercise

• Nicotine substitutes:


  ·         Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco smoke

  ·         Nicotine substitutes therefore replace cigarette but keep the nicotine
• How do nicotine substitutes work?

  Mechanism: Nicotine molecules are delivered by the replacement therapy, and they then attach to the receptors in the neurones in the ventral area (VTA) of the brain, this stimulates the release of dopamine In the nuclease accumbens
• How do nicotine substitutes work?

  Withdrawal: The nicotine dose can be reduced gradually over time. This means that withdrawal symptoms can be managed, minimising the chance of relapse.
• Disulfiram:

  ·         Works by disrupting the body’s processing of alcohol

  ·         It makes the drinker very sensitive to alcohol

  ·         When they have a drink, they almost immediately experience the effects of a severe hangover

  ·         They then associate the two and don’t enjoy drinking
• Acamprosate:

  Helps the client avoid relapse, by stabilising the levels of GABA in the brain, which means they crave a drink less
• Over the counter stress remedies:

  ·         Valerian

  ·         Chamomile

  ·         Lavender

  All three derived from herbs, and have chemicals that are calming, reduce anxiety, promote relaxation and aid in sleep.

  Herbal remedies are derived from plants, however they still after an individuals psychological and physiological functions.
• Exercise:

  ·         Physical exercise is a type of self help, but is also increasingly being prescribed by GPs as a way of reducing stress

  ·         Exercise helps to combat the negative effects of stress by replicating the symptoms of fight of flight (increased heart rate etc)

  ·         Provides the body with small doses of ‘stress’ increasing a persons resilience and having a protective effect against daily stress

  ·         Exercise is also a distraction, providing a focus away from every day worries and anxieties
• Release of endorphines:

  ·         Effects our central nervous system

  ·         Endorphins have specific pain killing properties but they also increase the production of dopamine

  ·         Produces a short term feeling of euphoria

  ·         In longer term, it improves mood induces relaxation, promotes an optimistic outlook and an improved self image
• Strengths:

  •         Physiological treatments are flexible and have a wide range of uses

  ·         Nicotine substitutes come in different forms, there will often be at least one which works for or suits someone

  ·         OTC remedies may not reduce stress on their own but they may be used in collaboration with another treatment.

  ·         NRT is effective as in disulfiram
• Weakness:

  •         Some of the alternatives have harmful side effects