Question

Expound on the different methods of conventional drug control and enforcement. Which of these methods seem to have the greatest impact? Which have minimal impact?

Answer 1

The electrical self-stimulation is a model used for addiction. It involves electrodes attached to the parts of the brain which when stimulated, activate the reward system which is a natural response to when drug is induced. It is used to treat addiction, because the same mechanisms of the brain are being stimulated when a drug is induced. The reward that is achieved by using a drug is now achieved by electrical stimulation of parts of the brain.

The other conventional method used to control drug abuse is aversion therapy. For instance, an individual who induces marijuana is given a small amount of weed with an added drug which causes nausea after. Once the person induces marijuana, within minutes he would vomit. If this continues for a few days, a person is more likely to develop an aversion to the drug and would rather abstain from it.

The impact of aversion therapy is greater because the aversion developed is permanent. Whereas, the electrical self-stimulation model must be used every time for the same effect as when one induces drugs.