Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that it is important to recognize how the more known and dangerous drugs influence neurochemistry. For example, heroin increases the release of dopamine by increasing the firing of dopamine neurons. The postsynaptic neuronal receptors are then inundated to levels far higher than normal; therefore, heroin usage is associated with the feelings of mood elevation and euphoria. The author points out that drug and alcohol metabolites, which are residual substances of drugs that remain during the drug and alcohol metabolism that takes place in the liver, are implicated in problems during withdrawal, remission, and craving. The paper recommends that treatment modalities should include pharmacotherapeutic as well as psychological and emotional support structures, including family involvement and 12-step programs such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), NA (Narcotics Anonymous) and CA (Cocaine Anonymous).

From the Paper:

"From the above therefore, a new motivational perspective of drug abuse emerges. It can be classified as two fold: extreme motivational strength and extreme motivational toxicity. Motivational strength is associated with the extent to which addiction can replace other basic motivations such as food, sex and the need to maintain a career. Motivational strength is also associated with to what lengths an addict will go to procure drugs. The psychosocial ramifications (as mentioned above) are a consequence of motivational strength. Motivational toxicity, on the other hand, can be defined by how it can be disruptive. Cocaine affects the user differently than heroin and methamphetamines. Typically, addiction can be towards anything. Most people are addicted to mild sedatives, cigarettes (though some aver that it is more addictive than cocaine), coffee, shopping, chocolate and gambling. Any of these addictions can be measured based on motivational strength and motivational toxicity."

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