Question

(1) You are presenting to a group of high school students on the dangers of substance abuse. Describes treatment options based on theoretical models and current research

Answer 1

Drugs like opium, heroin and cannabis have an effect on the functioning of a brain in a way which signals to release the neurotransmitter, dopamine. Dopamine, also known as the 'happy hormone' is responsible in escalating an individual's mood which leaves them feeling euphoric. Alcohol and cigarettes have similar effects on the brain, which makes an individual keep going back to it. Abstaining from drugs and alcohol is the most difficult for a person who is addicted to it. The withdrawal symptoms make it very difficult for a person to cope up and they often slide into depression which makes them resort back to taking drugs.

An effective treatment is needed for a person to abstain from drugs. There are umpteen options of treatments available based on theoretical models and current research. The following are a few:

1. Aversion Therapy: Aversion therapy which is a form of behavioural therapy. An individual is conditioned in a way, where he/she is exposed to a stimulus while simultaneously being exposed to something which causes discomfort to a person and he/she develops an aversion (dislike) to the stimulus. For instance, a person is given a little alcohol to drink, which is accompanied by a shock therapy after 2 minutes. When alcohol is followed by a shock, the individual develops an aversion towards the stimuli (alcohol) because he anticipates something discomforting accompanied with the shot of alcohol.

2.Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy: In this kind of a therapy, a person is made to change the way she/he thinks. Cognitive behavioural therapy works on the concept of how thinking affects an individuals behaviour. A person is asked to focus on situations that bring stress with them and lead to use of drugs. Once a person discovers it for himself, he is more likely to be careful and avoids letting a situation arise that leads to use of drugs.

3. Contingency Management: It is a form of operant conditioning. A desirable behaviour is reinforced. If a person abstains from drugs and alcohol, he gets positively rewarded which motivates him to continue producing a behaviour that leads to being rewarded.

4. Medication: Medication-Assisted-Treatment is used for an individual to abstain from drug abuse. These medications help chemicals in the brain to work differently to reduce the craving of a certain drug. Some medications also help a person to cope up with withdrawal symptoms which are usually responsible for a relapse.

5. Peer and Familial Support: Any kind of positive support provided by friends and family helps a person recover from substance abuse. Kind words, love and care does the trick sometimes. An emotional support by loved ones indeed helps better in recovery.