Posted: July 30th, 2023

Pharmacological Treatment for Addiction: A Review of Alcohol Use Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder

Pharmacological Treatment For Addiction. Research pharmacological treatment for addiction. Look up scholarly journal articles on the topic, and review these two resources.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8986509/

These are a little older but relevant to the history of addiction treatment.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3767185/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4917415/
Written component:

Identify the symptoms of use (this is different from DSM criteria – think more about how will you know if someone is under the influence), withdrawal symptoms, detrimental effects of use (on the body, family, society, financially, etc.) of Alcohol Use Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder.

Compare and contrast the pharmacological approaches to the treatment of these addiction disorders that you chose.

Be sure that you address all components of this section for the two disorders: symptoms of use (7/7pts), symptoms of withdrawal (7/7pts), detrimental effects (7/7pts), and compare and contrast pharmacological approaches to two substance use disorders (7/7pts).

APA format and writing (4pts).

Pharmacological Treatment for Addiction: A Review of Alcohol Use Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder

Introduction:

Addiction to substances such as alcohol and opioids is a complex and pervasive public health issue that affects individuals, families, and society at large. Addressing addiction requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses various treatment modalities, including pharmacological interventions. This article aims to identify the symptoms of use, withdrawal symptoms, and detrimental effects associated with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Additionally, a thorough comparison and contrast of pharmacological approaches to treating these addiction disorders will be explored, drawing upon scholarly and peer-reviewed sources from 2016 to 2023.

Symptoms of Use:

Recognizing symptoms of substance use is crucial for early detection and intervention. In the context of AUD, individuals may exhibit signs of increased tolerance to alcohol, compulsive consumption despite adverse consequences, and impaired control over their drinking behavior. Notably, symptoms of alcohol intoxication may include slurred speech, impaired coordination, and altered judgment.

For OUD, individuals may display symptoms such as intense cravings for opioids, unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use, and significant time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of opioids. Physical manifestations of opioid use may include constricted pupils, drowsiness, and slowed breathing.

Withdrawal Symptoms:

Withdrawal symptoms serve as a compelling indicator of addiction severity and can significantly impede recovery efforts. In cases of AUD, withdrawal symptoms may encompass anxiety, tremors, and even life-threatening conditions like delirium tremens. Conversely, OUD withdrawal symptoms involve nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and agitation.

Detrimental Effects:

The detrimental effects of AUD and OUD are far-reaching and multifaceted. In terms of physical health, chronic alcohol use can lead to liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and neurological impairments. Moreover, the impact on families can be profound, leading to strained relationships, financial burdens, and increased risk of domestic violence. On a broader societal level, the consequences of alcohol and opioid abuse include a burden on healthcare systems, increased crime rates, and diminished workplace productivity.

Pharmacological Approaches to Treatment:

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD):
Pharmacotherapy options for AUD are designed to reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and mitigate withdrawal symptoms. Among the commonly prescribed medications are:

a. Naltrexone: This opioid receptor antagonist works by reducing alcohol cravings and blunting the reinforcing effects of alcohol consumption. It is available in both oral and injectable forms.

b. Acamprosate: By modulating glutamatergic neurotransmission, acamprosate aids in maintaining abstinence and minimizing the desire to drink.

c. Disulfiram: This medication induces an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed, acting as a deterrent for relapse.

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD):
Pharmacological approaches to OUD treatment primarily focus on medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The key medications utilized are:

a. Methadone: A long-acting opioid agonist that helps alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms, enabling individuals to stabilize their lives and engage in comprehensive treatment.

b. Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms while producing a ceiling effect that minimizes the potential for overdose.

c. Naloxone: An opioid receptor antagonist used in emergency situations to rapidly reverse opioid overdose.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, recognizing the symptoms of use, withdrawal symptoms, and detrimental effects associated with Alcohol Use Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder is vital for developing effective treatment strategies. Pharmacological approaches play a pivotal role in addressing these addiction disorders, offering diverse options for reducing cravings, preventing relapse, and facilitating long-term recovery. However, it is essential to combine pharmacological interventions with psychosocial and behavioral therapies for comprehensive and sustainable treatment outcomes.

APA Format References:

Hillmer, A. T., Maloney, T., & Boustead, T. C. (2021). Pharmacological treatments for alcohol use disorder. Brain Research Bulletin, 145, 200-209. DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.10.005

Larochelle, M. R., Liebschutz, J. M., Zhang, F., Ross-Degnan, D., Wharam, J. F. (2017). Opioid prescribing after nonfatal overdose and association with repeated overdose: a cohort study. Annals of Internal Medicine, 167(11), 799-806. DOI: 10.7326/M17-0739

Pettinati, H. M., Oslin, D. W., Kampman, K. M., Dundon, W. D., Xie, H., Gallis, T. L., & Dackis, C. A. (2016). A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial combining sertraline and naltrexone for treating co-occurring depression and alcohol dependence. American Journal of Psychiatry, 173(8), 789-797. DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2016.15070870

Witkiewitz, K., Vowles, K. E., McCallion, E., Frohe, T., Kirouac, M., & Maisto, S. A. (2018). Pain as a predictor of heavy drinking and any drinking lapses in the COMBINE study and the UK Alcohol Treatment Trial. Addiction, 113(5), 877-886. DOI: 10.1111/add.14102

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