Pharmacotherapy in Drug Addiction

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Addiction is a dependence on a substance where the individual who is affected feels defenseless and unable to stop the obsession to use a substance or prevent a particular behavior. Millions of Americans have addictions to drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and even to behaviors such as obsessive gambling. Pharmacotherapy is a treatment process in which a counselor can use a particular drug to counter act an addictive drug or behavior. Not all counselors agree with this type of treatment. However in order to provide a client with an ethical treatment and unbiased opinions they should be made aware of all scientific evidence of different treatment options. “Thus, attention to addiction pharmacotherapy is an ethical mandate no matter what prejudices a counselor may have” (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2008, p. 196). Some particular pharmacotherapy’s a counselor may use for the treatment of addiction are Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), Disulfiram (Antabuse), Naltrexone (ReVia, Depade), Methadone (Dolophine), and Buprenorphine (Temgesic, Suboxone).

Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) is used in the Pharmacotherapy of Nicotine Addiction. Bupropion is an anti-depressant that stimulates a release of a chemical called dopamine in the reward center area of the brain that causes pleasure (Healthwise, 2009). When an individual smokes, dopamine is released. Therefore Bupropion has the same effect but without the nicotine drug. Bupropion removes the craving an individual has for a cigarette. A few common side effects are weight loss, nausea, and headaches. A more sever side effect is suicidal thoughts and seizures (Healthwise, 2009). Bupropion is a good use to help curb the appetite of a smoker. However when used in correlation with nicotine replacement therapy the ph...

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...ctive drugs for the pharmacotherapy to treat opioid addiction. However, these drugs are addictive and will take some time for an individual to slowly stop using them and prevent withdrawal symptoms.

References

Arias, M.D., A. J., & Kranzler, M.D, H. R. (n.d). Treatment of co-occurring alcohol and other drug Use disorders. Retrieved from http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh312/155-167.htm

Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2008). Foundations of addictions counseling. Boston, M.A: Pearson Education.

Colker, A. C. (2004). Pharmacotherapy treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction: Overview and bibliography. Retrieved from http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=14417

Healthwise. (2009). Bupropion hydrochloride (Zyban) for quitting smoking. Retrieved from WebMD website: http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/bupropion-hydrochloride-zyban-for-quitting-smoking

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