Cocaine Drug of Abuse, Essay Example

In very small doses cocaine can be used to control Parkinson disease, can be used to control severe obesity in comatose patients, and the drug can be used to wake people from a vegetative state when used in observed doses.

The negative effects certainly outweigh the positive effects. In normal brain chemistry dopamine is “released by neuron in response to a pleasurable signal then recycled back into the cell that released it shutting off the signal between neurons”. (“NIDA Infofacts: Cocaine”). What cocaine does is prevents the dopamine from being recycled which causes excessive amounts of the neurotransmitter to build up which eventually disrupts the normal communication. This, in turn, causes euphoric effects. Repeated use can cause long-term change and eventually lead to addiction of the substance. Further, repeated use can “constrict blood vessels, dilate pupils, increase body temperature and heart rate, and increase blood pressure”. (“NIDA Infofacts: Cocaine”). Other problems can include hoarseness, problems swallowing and runny nose.

Then identify a method of treatment that you feel best addresses an individual who is dependent on that drug.

One of the most intense and effective means of treatment studied for cocaine addiction is behavioral interventions which include cognitive behavioral therapy sessions. This treatment is especially tailored to the individual’s needs and includes treatment, social support groups and other defined services as needed to prevent the patient from relapsing.

Identify 2 methods of treatment that best addresses an individual who is dependent on cocaine.

One of the most intense and effective means of treatment studied for cocaine addiction is behavioral interventions which include cognitive behavioral therapy sessions. This treatment is especially tailored to the individual’s needs and includes treatment, social support groups and other defined services as needed to prevent the patient from relapsing.

Through the use of “methadone, psychologists have been successful with reducing the number of relapses of cocaine addiction”. (“National Institute on Drug Abuse Research Series”).  They have been able to reduce the number of clinical visits and able to keep the patients ‘drug free’ for longer periods of time with a combination of minimal social therapy groups.

References

NIDA Infofacts: Cocaine Retrieved September 22, 2010 from, http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/cocaine.html

National Institute on Drug Abuse Research Series Retrieved September 22, 2010 from, http://archives.drugabuse.gov/pdf/monographs/123.pdf