Use of Pharmacological Interventions in Substance Abuse Treatment - Research Paper Example

Use of Pharmacological Interventions in Substance Abuse Treatment Substance abuse is the misuse of drugs and alcohol. This is a common problem not only in the US, but also in many other parts of the world. In the past, drug addiction was a serious problem that was commonly viewed as a flaw in morality. However, these perceptions have changed over the years and now it is widely understood that substance addiction is a disease that affects the brain (Cohen, Young and McChargue, 2009). This knowledge has made it possible for scientists to come up with different effective treatment options for substance abuse patients. Pharmacological interventions have gained popularity in many healthcare facilities as some of the most effective steps in treating drug and alcohol addictions. Pharmacological interventions in the course of substance abuse treatment involve the use of clinical drugs to help people with drug and alcohol related problems to get over them National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1999). The use of pharmacological interventions is quite effective in handling exposure to trigger cues for drug taking and drug carving. Pharmacological interventions have been widely used in the treatment of withdrawal symptoms (Cohen, Young and McChargue, 2009). These interventions normally reduce these symptoms, thus making it easier for the patient to get over his or her addiction quickly enough. Pharmacological intervention programs often involve the use of different types of drugs whose effects can minimize the agony caused by withdrawal symptoms. Special medication which makes the patients fell like they are on the addictive drugs is administered for a certain period of time and then the administration is gradually withdrawn (Rotgers, Morgenstern and Walters, 2003). This way, the brain is able to stabilize, which in effect makes the detoxification process easier and much faster. Pharmacological Intervention Drugs Some of the drugs used in pharmacological interventions include naltrexone, buprenorphine or naloxone, acamprosate, methadone and LAAM, disulfiram, oxycodone, bupropion, varenicline, naltrexone and topiramate. naltrexone is used in the intervention of alcohol and opiates related abuse. These pharmacological grugs work by blocking opiate receptors, thereby helping prevent the release of dopamine into the body. The lack of dopamine lessens cravings for opiates and alcohol. Buprenorphine also works by blocking the effects of opiates on the body system. It is considerd to be a better option than most pharmacological intervention drugs since it has somewhat mild effects on withdrawal National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1999). Acamprosate is used in the intervention of alcohol addiction. The drug lowers irritability that is normally present during the early days or weeks of recovery. It reduces the pleasurable feeling that one normally craves due to alcohol addiction. It stabilizes the neurotransmitter activities in the brain. Methadone and LAAM are some of the most commonly used phamarcological intervention drugs in health facilities today. They are effective in reducing the withdrawal symptoms in opiate addicts. They have longer lasting effects than most intervention drugs. Disulfiram is an alcohol abuse intervention drug. Oxycodone drugs are also widely used for intervention and treatment of opioid dependence. These two drugs wok by inducing unpleasant feelings when one drinks, thereby reducing cravings (Golan, 2008). Methadone is the preferred pharmacological intervention drug for opiate addiction due to its low levels of addiction risk when compared to other drugs. The drug affects the same organs affected by drugs such as morphine and heroin; however, it has milder effects. When a patient takes a specific dose of methadone, his body reacts like he has taken alcohol, but the craving is greatly diminished. This is how a patient using methadone during intervention is able to avoid painful withdrawal symptoms. bupropion and varenicline are used in the intervention of tobacco addiction National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1999). They normally enable people who are trying to quit smoking to avoid replasing back into the habit. The use of pharmacologic intervention options for alcohol and drug addicts is widely used as it is effective in fast-tracking treatment. It helps patients get rid of drug cravings and the criminal behaviors that are likely to come with drug taking. This form of intervention also aids patients to become more receptive to other forms of behavioral treatments (Rotgers, Morgenstern and Walters, 2003). Moral issues The use of pharmacological interventions in the treatment alcohol and drug related complications have given rise to many debates. Many people think that using addictive drugs to treat drug related problems is not the correct solution and they also argue that it has some moral implications. The main argument given is that the drugs used during treatment may find their way into the patient’s system, thus making him addicted to them (Golan, 2008). They argue that although the pharmacological drugs may be able to treat withdrawal syndromes, their after effects may be much worse than the addiction they are supposed to treat. However, when these pharmacology drugs are used as they are supposed to be used, there should no worry that they can cause more addiction problems for the patient. The overall goals of using pharmacological interventions in the treatment of substance abuse disorders are to minimize the level of intensity of withdrawal symptoms and relapse rates (Cohen, Young and McChargue, 2009). The moral questions that arise as a result of using these interventions in substance abuse treatment should not arise if they are effective enough to take care of addictions. Conclusion The use of pharmacological intervention is a common practice in many healthcare facilities, where they are utilized in the treatment of disorders that come about as a result of substance abuse. The use of drugs in substance abuse patients is quite effective as it helps eliminate withdrawal symptoms in the patients, thus hastening their recovery. Using these drugs to counter effects of withdrawal symptoms also has the benefit of getting rid of criminal activities related to accessing the drugs. The prevalence of substance abuse among many young people makes it important for healthcare providers to be knowledgeable and skilled in the treatment and intervention of these problems. One of the most commonly used drugs in pharmacological intervention is methadone. There are many other drugs used in pharmacological interventions which caretakers should know about so that they can give the best pharmacological intervention and general care for people who want to get over their addictions. References Cohen, L.M., Young, A. and McChargue. (2009). Pharmacology and treatment of substance abuse: Evidence and outcome based perspectives. London: Routledge. Golan, D.E. (2008). Principles of pharmacology: the pathophysiologic basis of drug therapy. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. National Institute on Drug Abuse (1999). Principles of drug addiction treatment. Rockville, MD; National Institute of health. Rotgers, F., Morgenstern, J. and Walters, S.T. (2003). Treating substance abuse: Theory and technique. New York: The Guiford Press. Read More