DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENTS Drug addiction is one which has become a huge issue in today’s society. This is because of the increasing numbers of teenagers as well as adults smoking and drinking, and so it is crucial that we are made aware of the treatments for drug addiction.

Heroin Addiction Heroin is a highly addictive drug. The reason why it is so addictive is because it acts upon the reward pathway in the brain. When it has entered the body, Heroin goes through the walls of the alveoli in the lungs, and is absorbed into the bloodstream. The heroin travels to the brain, where it mimics endorphin, which is a natural opiate. Physical and psychological effects of Heroin. During everyday time endorphin is released which releases dopamine to facilitate the reward pathway in the brain. Heroin mimics endorphin and floods the endorphin receptors, increasing the amount of dopamine rapidly. This causes a feeling of well being and neutral emotion. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fySL2OkO33s

Treatment for Heroin addiction using Methadone Methadone is a synthetic opiate which works at the synapse as a substitute for heroin. As a result the addict doesn't experience any withdrawal symptoms. It stops what is known as the “opiate rush”, which causes the addict to have a desire to inject heroin. It lasts aprox. 24 hours and so a daily dose can be enough to stop fluctuations which is an experience of Heroin addiction. Methadone is administered orally and at first the addict must be supervised during administration, until they can be trusted to take it at home. Then, a stage called detoxification begins. This is when the person gets a medical check every 3 months to monitor their progress and to ensure they haven't taken any Heroin. The Methadone levels are slowly reduced, until the person feels they are ready to complete their treatment by coming off the Methadone completely.

What are the pro’s and con’s? advantages disadvantages Enables addicts to break links with dealers decreasing pressure to take Heroin It is difficult to overdose= safer to use than other opiates. There is no danger of infection when administered, as it is taken orally. Many addicts continue to rely on Methadone, and so never try to detox. Methadone withdrawal takes longer than Heroin and lasts a month. Some Methadone ends up in the illegal drugs market, once it has been taken for home-administration, which completely defeats the object of the treatment.

Nicotine Addiction Nicotine is a substance in Tobacco which is highly addictive. It stimulates acetylchloline(Ach) synapses in the brain. Ach is associated with learning and thinking, which explains the alertness and ability to react which smokers report. When these synapses are activated, the dopamine reward pathway is also activated. This triggers the production of endorphins, which cause the feeling of well-being and calmness. Nicotine enters the blood system within 7-20 seconds of entering the body, which explains why its effects are felt so instantaneously. Another effect of nicotine is that it triggers the production of glucose and adrenalin. With glucose raising the blood sugar level and adrenalin causing increased alertness.

Effects of smoking on your body The Doctors Explain How Smoking Affects Your Body.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwYEFu-GKP4&feature=related

Nicotine addiction treatment “How you can benefit from quitting smoking program” by a doctor himself.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErTyRkziXFg&feature=related Treating nicotine addiction with hypnotherapy A hypnotic state is known the be very relaxed and is induced by a qualified therapist. Ideas are slowly put into the unconscious mind, which continues to influence behaviour once full consciousness is restored. THEY ARE NOT PUT TO SLEEP, but rather made to focus on the hypnotist and exclude any irrelevant information. It is referred to as an altered state of consciousness rather than a lack of consciousness. The main objective is to implant the idea that the person does not want to smoke and to relate the thought of smoking to unpleasant thought. The sessions usually last between one and two hours.

What are the pro’s and cons? Advantages disadvantages If it works, it is very cost effective compared with other intervention programmes as just one treatment is needed. Spiegal et al (1993) found it was better than unsupported attempts to quit. There are no side effects of a hypnotherapy session. There is a great deal of variability on how easy it is to hypnotise somebody, for example it is harder to do if the person is not relaxed. It will only work if the client has BELIEF that it will work for them. A meta-anaylsis by Green and Lynn (2000)- 59 studies, and none were found to be more effective than any other therapy.

A drugs campaign that has effected me. This advert has effected me hugely. As being a new driver and also with my birthday approaching, it reinforced to me the importance of not drinking and driving. The people who are stupid enough to do this, don't just effect themselves but will effect everyone around them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymiF-okrdMg