The Mouse Party - Coursework Example

The Mouse Party The Mouse Party Introduction The apparent of tiredness depicted by the mouse sitting on a couch in the interactive module made me select heroin. Statistics show that the total number of people using heroin worldwide is about 9.2 million (Heroin Statistics - Facts About Heroin Addiction, Use & Death - Drug-Free World, n.d.)DiscussionMorphine, which is a natural extract of the poppy plant, is used to prepare heroin. After synthesization, the heroin drug appears as a brown or a white powdered substance (DrugFacts: Heroin, 2014).

Upon entry into the brain, the heroin is reconverted back to morphine that binds itself to opioid receptors. The opioid receptors for pain and reward are the ones affected. The receptors control automatic life processes such as arousal and respiration. The overdose caused by heroin intake suppresses breathing. The result is a decrease in the supply of oxygen to the brain. The user then develops a condition known as hypoxia. Hypoxia causes neurological and psychological effects and eventual brain damage.

The behavioral changes observed include skin flushing, clouded mental functioning and euphoria. There are various ways of combating heroin addiction, which include self-help groups, preventive measures, medication and behavioral therapies (DrugFacts: Heroin, 2014). Vicodin, Methadone, Buprenorphine and OxyContin are some of the drugs which are medicated for heroin treatment. Some of the most effective behavioral therapy approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management.

In the event, that both behavioral and medication methods have failed in helping a heroin addict, then rehabilitation becomes the next option.Conclusion Heroin is a very addictive substance to the user and as such, can be very costly. Since the purchase of heroin is very expensive, I prefer the preventive methods of combating cocaine addiction rather than the medication and behavioral therapies.Reference ListDrugFacts: Heroin. (2014, October 1). Retrieved February 27, 2015, from http://www.drugabuse.

gov/publications/drugfacts/heroinHeroin Statistics - Facts About Heroin Addiction, Use & Death - Drug-Free World. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2015, from http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/heroin/international-statistics.htmlMouse Party. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2015, from http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/mouse/