Question

Increasing knowledge about the biological factors that are a part of abuse and dependence has opened the doors for the development of drug therapies that may be useful in the treatment of addictive disorders. The increased knowledge of brain chemistry and the various neurotransmitter systems that play a role in dependence opens a large array of possibilities for the development of drugs that can aid treatment. Discuss: 1. Complete a research and list as many types of pharmacotherapy medications used for treatment of acoholism. 2. Select the top two that you believe to be most effective and explain why. 3. Discuss the pros and cons of the two pharmacotherapy medications you selected.

Answer 1

Answer 1:

Many researchers are working in this field and it has been identified by many studies that pharmacological treatments work by targeting and impacting a network of the brain that creates alcohol's reinforcing phenomenon. After researching I have determined following type of pharmacotherapy medications that are used for treatment of alcoholism:

• Disulfiram,
• Naltrexone,
• Acamprosate,
• SSRI,
• Ondansetrone,
• Topiramate,
• Gabapentin,
• Baclofen,
• Nalmefene,

Answer 2:

The top two that I find to be most effective are Naltrexone and Acamprosate. The reason to support my finding is as follows:

Naltrexone: Several clinical trials have proved that after taking the prescribed amount of naltrexone it reduces the risk of heavy drinking with remarkable percentage and also reduces the percentage of days of drinking.

Talking about side effects it has some common side effects like nausea, headache, and dizziness.

Acamprosate: It is found to have some common anti-drinking neurochemical effect. Although clinical trials have not found substantial effect on heavy drinking but the cumulative abstinence duration. It is also having minor and tolerable side effects.

Answer 3:

Pros of Naltrexone:

• It prevents the situation of getting high,
• It is FDA approved,
• It has proven impact on reducing drinking behaviors,
• It keeps patients motivated

Cons of Naltrexone:

• Certain side effects are suffered,
• Can cause liver injury,
• Allergic reactions can be caused,
• Chances are there that people might become addicted to it.

Pros of Acamprosate:

• It reduces abstinence duration,
• It has a property to be used in combined drug treatment.

Cons of Acamprosate::

• It does not reduce heavy drinking,
• It has certain side effects.