Introduction
“When [Evidence-Based Treatment] programs are well designed using effective program elements and implemented carefully, these programs: reduce relapse, reduce criminality, reduce recidivism . . . improve health and mental health symptoms and conditions, and improve relationships” (Federal Bureau of Prisons, n.d.).
When working with individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, it is important to appreciate the dynamic relationship between the addict and the treatment model that is successful in his or her rehabilitation.
Last week, you examined the TSF, as well as the psychoanalytic and Gestalt models for addiction treatment. This week, you will continue to analyze treatment methods related to addiction models, focusing on evidence-based approaches.
Required Resources
| Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus. |
Readings
- Walters, S. T., &Rotgers, F. (2013)Treating substance abuse: Theory and technique (3rd ed.). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
- Chapter 2,“Motivational Interviewing in Practice”
- Chapter 6,“Behavioral Treatment Techniques for Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders”
- Chapter 12,“Integrating Psychotherapy and Pharmacotherapy in Substance Abuse Treatment”
- Fareed, A., Vayalapalli, S., Stout, S., Casarella, J., Drexler, K., & Bailey, S. P. (2011). Effect of methadone maintenance treatment on heroin craving, a literature review. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 30(1), 27–38.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2009). Principles of drug abuse treatment: A research-based guide (2nd ed.). Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment
- Review the section “Evidence-Based Approaches to Drug Addiction Treatment” (pp. 37–56)
Week 3 discussion
Use of Pharmacotherapies
The use of pharmacotherapies, orthe treatment of an addiction with the use of medication, has been prevalent in psychology during the past 50 years. Addiction counselors and doctors work in conjunction by prescribing medication to assist users as they wean off of their drug of choice, replacing one addictive substance with another.
In 1965, researchers began using methadone, a human-made chemical substance, to block the effects of heroin and lessen the withdrawal symptoms of opiate addicts. Methadone maintenance treatments are still used today, and researchers continue to question its use in assisting addicts. For example, “Despite the [reported] effectiveness of methadone in reducing heroin use and the associated medical co-morbidities . . . there have been reports about patients using heroin while being in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT)” (Fareed,Vayalapalli, Stout, Casarella, Drexler, & Bailey, 2011, 28).
What do you consider the possible benefits and drawbacks may be of replacing one addictive substance with another? How can researchers and addiction counselors be sure these methods are helping addicts?
To prepare for this Discussion:
- Review the articles “Effect of Methadone Maintenance Treatment on Heroin Craving, a Literature Review” and “Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment: A Research-Based Guide,” as well as Chapter 12 in your course text
- Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of replacing one addictive substance with another.
- Consider the possible drawbacks specific to the use of methadone maintenance for opiate addicts.
Postby Day 4 an informed argument regarding the possible benefits and/or drawbacks of pharmacotherapy. What are the drawbacks in using methadone maintenance for opiate addicts?
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.
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Psychology: Use of Pharmacotherapies
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Use of Pharmacotherapies
The perspective that addiction is a disease has seen the use of drugs in the treatment of substance addiction. Although there has been extensive use of counseling in modern addiction treatment strategies, according to (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2009) those individuals who use drug in addition to counseling experience better rates of recovery. However, there are pros and cons that are associated with the use of Pharmacotherapies in treatment of addiction. The following are the major benefits and drawbacks of pharmacotherapy, especially the use methadone maintenance for opiate addicts. The use of methadone maintenance for opiate addicts can enhance their recovery from heroin addiction if they stick to the medical prescriptions. Most addicts experience relapse, due to the graving and thus the use of methadone maintenance for opiate addicts helps in replacing the graving and thus treating the withdrawal effects and helping……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
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