...Does methadone maintenance help clients or simply prolong their addiction. Research Methods I Kaplan University Helen Farel The disease of addiction may never be fully understood, but further studies in methadone maintenance with opioid dependence will prove that methadone maintenance prevents cravings and withdrawal symptoms and helps an addict to maintain their sobriety while trying to overcome their addiction. In this paper the author will discuss the scientific method and several studies that have been conducted on the use of methadone in the treatment of substance abuse. The scientific method is a set of principles and procedures that researchers use to develop questions, collect data and reach conclusions. (Cherry, 2013). In Psychology the goals of the scientific method is to seek and describe behaviors and explain why the behaviors occur. (Cherry, 2013). Researchers also strive to create research that can be used to predict and change human behavior. (Cherry, 2013). The four steps of the scientific method are, (1) forming a testable hypothesis, (2) devising a study and collecting data, (3) examining the data and reaching conclusions and (4) reporting the findings of the study. (Cherry, 2013). All the research articles discussed in this...
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...Running head: METHADONE AND DEPENDENCY The Effects of Methadone Treatment on Opiate and Heroin Dependency Since the early times, opiates, heroin, and other drugs have been used in providing analgesia as well as substitutes to reach a place of euphoria. Originally, as Yurgelum-Todd et al (2009) has noted, derived from the opium poppy, heroin has been used as an alternative to morphine in dealing with addiction (Yurgelum-Todd, p. 175, 2009). Unfortunately, over the years it has consistently become prevalent that heroin has more negative aspects than anything; heroin is highly addictive, resulting in consequences such as overdoses, infections, violence and crime, deficits in memory, learning, and attention. The need to relieve pain by use of heroin and other drugs, though, results in opioid dependence, estimated to affect more than one million persons in North America alone (Oviedo-Joekes, p. 778, 2009). To relieve opiate dependence, researchers experimented with an opiate-agonist called methadone; the standard opioid-susbstitution treatment, to help reduce withdrawals and other negative consequences surrounding the use of drugs like heroin by producing a phenomenon called the “blocking-dose”, which blocks opiate receptors (Oviedo-Joekes, p. 778, 2009). Methadone was, in fact, the “first opiate agonist used in the pharmacotherapy of heroin addiction. Methadone is the best studied drug, but also the most controversial”(Maremmani, p. 7, 2008)....
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...Assemblies of God University School of Distance Education Methadone Treatment Programs are Effective in Stopping Heroin Use A Paper Presented to Professor Loyd Uglow, Ph.D In Partial Fulfillment of The Requirements for the Course THE 5113 Research Literature and Technology Sharon Pete November 28, 2012 THESIS STATEMENT: To investigate Methadone maintenance is found to be more effective in treating heroin addiction than 180 day detoxification. The objective is how methadone maintenance, a widely used but controversial method of weaning heroin addicts off the drug—with counseling has psychosocially enriched 180 day methadone assisted detoxification. OUTLINE I. INTRODUCTION A. History of Heroin B. History of withdrawals II. How Methadone is used to treat Heroin? III. Research Findings IV. CONCLUSION V. Work Cited Methadone Treatment Programs are Effective in Stopping Heroin Use Substitution treatment or maintenance pharmacotherapy programs using methadone are today the most sought after and effective form of treatment for opiate addiction and dependence. Because methadone is a long-acting opiate whose dosage can be stabilized, it is well suited for daily administration and has proven effective in the elimination of narcotic craving, a driving force behind continued heroin use. And, because it can be administered orally, methadone dramatically reduces heroin injecting frequency and, with it...
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...Comparison of Methadone and Suboxone in Opioid Treatment Program Julien Nougarou Upper Iowa University Abstract Addiction to opioids is a common problem throughout the world. Maintenance treatments such as Methadone and Suboxone are effective in lessening the desire to consume illicit drugs, but they are not perfect options for drug treatment as each has negative effects, too. In this paper, both the positive and negative effects of the drugs Methadone and Suboxone will be determined and evaluated in order to better ascertain the better treatment. It was concluded that the effectiveness of each treatment can only be determined on a case-by-case basis, as the factors of success are often dependent on the patient receiving the treatment. There are various criticisms for both modes of treatment, but no other means of treating opioid addiction have yet to be found. There are improvements that could be made for both treatments, but regardless of improvements each mode of treatment is risky as there is no miracle cure for opioid addiction. Introduction In 1864, The New York State Inebriate Asylum, the first in the country, opened in Binghamton, NY. It was the first of a growing network of inebriate asylums that treated alcoholism and addiction to drugs such as opium, morphine, cocaine, chloral, ether, and chloroform. Today, when talking about opioid addiction and dependency treatments, two controversial but efficient treatments stand out from the lot: Methadone and Suboxone...
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...Heroin Addiction Psyc 305 B-03 June 15, 2015 Abstract: This paper will serve to provide information about heroin addiction in our society. Heroin addiction is an epidemic problem in the United States and is growing every year. Factors such as genetics and environmental factors will be discussed as they relate to heroin addicts. Trends with prescription pain medication and their effects on heroin use will be discussed. This paper will also highlight the prevalence of heroin in the United States. Heroin affects different groups of people in all walks of life. Treatment for heroin will be discussed in the latter portion of this paper. This will highlight different options to fit specific needs. Addiction: a physical dependency on a substance (Doweiko, 2015), a chronic brain disease that causes compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences, (Addiction, 2015). There is no universally accepted way to define addiction. It seems that it is easier to qualify behavior as an addiction than it is to define the word itself. For the purpose of this paper we will use the four general categories of the DSM-5 to help identify and understand heroin addiction. This paper will serve to provide information about heroin addiction’s possible causes, prevalence and treatment. What causes heroin addiction? The causes of heroin addiction are not clear. As with most drugs it is thought that the user is trying to feel better or self-medicate...
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...Heroin Addiction and Treatment Abstract This paper offers a brief explanation of the history of heroin. Describing the origins of heroin, who discovered it and describe the detrimental effects heroin has on an individual. There are several treatment options available for heroin addicts and this paper will look at a few of the ones that have shown the most success. Heroin Addiction and Treatment Introduction: A Brief History of Heroin Heroin comes from the opium poppy. This plant has been used by a number of various civilizations going back to include ancient civilizations. Opium, heroin, and morphine are derived from the poppy. Opium had been used by Drs. in the United States for many years prior to the Civil War. When morphine was discovered Drs. switched to using morphine instead of opium for pain, mainly because the hypodermic needle had been invented and morphine could be injected and pain could be better controlled. Heroin was derived from a chemical process discovered by Felix Hoffman in 1874. Heroin was initially distributed as a pain killer, and cough suppressant by Bayer Company in 1898. Drs. initially thought that heroin could replace morphine because they thought heroin did not possess the addictive qualities of morphine. In fact Drs. used heroin to get their patient’s off morphine. They thought...
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...IHR 1 Methadone: The Introduction of Harm Reduction IHR 2 As I began thinking about what topic covers a multitude of citizens and is a significant issue and problem that affects the justice system here in the United States, almost automatically I was drawn to my deep passion for recovery based solutions to drug and alcohol addictions. I have found my experiences in recovery, to repeatedly be surrounded with the pain of those whom have suffered and are still suffering from effects of their addiction(s). Many addictions have grown out of the same medications that when used properly, provided the relief sought to provide pain maintenance and therefore relief of such pain. I firmly believe that without some form of spiritual maintenance, recovery- both physical and mentally- is an endless merry go-round of medical doctors and drug dealers. As a recovering addict/alcoholic myself, my daily walk exposes me to the ever increasing ideology, of not only addicts, but the public at large, to the thought process of finding relief for every day undesirable thought and undesirable actions (according to some), to be the quick fix, which historically has been called the “magic pill” or “magical elixir” cure. In the near future, I plan to be a recovery counselor and placement specialist. I hope to be able to provide some experience based direction, on the path of recovery, to those whom still suffer. I felt the need to understand not only the options being provided for said addictions...
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...Health Economics Abstract Studies, research, and conclusions on the effectiveness of substance abuse treatment programs are numerous. However, there does not appear to be a single answer or even a manageable set of solutions for how to effectively and efficiently treat those suffering the ill effects of substance abuse. This paper aims to make the case that the most effective way to deal with this problem is to attack it at the source, by trying to eliminate, or at the very least disrupt, the supply of illicit drugs available for purchase and consumption. The attempt to make this case is done by pointing out the mixed results of previous substance abuse treatment programs and by using systems theory to explain why the complexity of treatment options makes it difficult to accurately evaluate such programs. The Economic Impact on Substance Abuse The effect of substance abuse on the United States economy is astronomical. Consider that in 2004, almost a tenth of the nation’s population ages 12 and older were classified with substance abuse or dependence disorders (Morgan & Crane, 2010). The issue is so complex, in fact, it is nearly impossible to put an accurate price tag on the impact. If one focuses solely on the economic impact of this epidemic, one would have to calculate numerous costs. People who abuse and are addicted to illicit drugs spend hundreds and thousands of dollars to feed their habit, which is money that could be spent in more productive ways...
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...concentrating on Human Services, Psychology, and Criminal Justice. When I started attending school, I hadn’t narrowed down what field I really wanted to focus on. The following two tables will show what classes I have taken as required for core classes as well as major specific classes. I have highlighted, in yellow, the top five most influential classes that have inspired me in one way or another. CORE CLASSES Lecture Project Discussion Field Work Experimentation Research Senior Seminar x The Ancient World x Intro to Literature of the New Testament x Spanish I x Statistics for Social Sciences x Lifetime Fitness and Wellness x Music Appreciation x National Government x Survey of Math w/ Applications x Analysis of Text x New Student Seminar x Environmental Science x Development of Civilization x Intro to Speech Communication x Business Math x Composition I x MAJOR Lecture Project Discussion Field Work Experimentation Research Personality Theory and Assessment x Women and Crime x Intro to Philosophy x Techniques of Individual and Group Counseling x Psychology and Religion x Human Sexuality x Internship x Counseling Theories x Human Development x Addictive Behaviors x Abnormal Psychology x Intro to Human Services x Psychology Intro to Sociology x Gangs of America x Ancient Arts x Intro to...
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...Baltimore: A Community in Crisis Since the 19th century, the illicit drug, heroin, has been a part of American society. When heroin was first discovered it was thought to be a wonder drug because of the euphoric feeling a person is said to feel after using it. However, once the debilitating effects of this highly addictive drug was realized the anti-drug law, the Harrison Narcotics Act, was enacted that restricted its use to medicinal purposes only. In 1920, heroin was banned altogether through the Dangerous Drug Act (Habal, 2011). Heroin for the most part was thought to have gone underground until the Vietnam War. In 1971, two congressmen returned from visiting U. S. servicemen serving in Vietnam with an alarming revelation that “15 percent of U.S. servicemen in Vietnam… were actively addicted to heroin” (Spiegel, 2012, para. 3). The idea that American servicemen were addicted to such a horrible drug disgusted much of the American public. “It was thought to be the most addictive substance ever produced, a narcotic so powerful that once addiction claimed you, it was nearly impossible to escape” (Spiegel, 2012, para. 4). President Richard Nixon took swift action by creating, The Special Action Office of Drug Abuse Prevention which concentrated primarily on prevention and rehabilitation. In the late 70s and early 80s the use of heroin reached its peak when it seemed to take a backseat to the reappearance of cocaine and the subsequent crack epidemic that overwhelmed much...
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...Joycene Harrell CRM-430 Term Paper Week 5 Draft Summary for Prison Rehabilitation and Counseling Programs I chose to focus this term paper on the various programs offered to prisoners as part of their rehabilitation for introduction back into society. In today’s world there are many who believe that every one can be rehabilitated. The question should be asked; “does rehabilitation really work for everyone?” I will provide statistics on the success and failure rate, as well as which programs are most beneficial to prisoners. Whether rehabilitation and counseling works or not, something has to be done to assist prisoners in order for them to lead a normal life upon their release. I will discuss some of the many programs offered by various states ranging from “Pets in Prison” to obtaining college degrees. I will explain the various types of counseling offered to sex offenders, pedophiles and murderers. Those are a few topics I feel should have special interest in the counseling/rehabilitation area. I am sure most would agree that prisoners should receive some type of counseling and rehabilitation, but where do you draw the line on the rehabilitation services offered? Should the money from taxpayers be used to fund certain types of programs, how does the prison system decide who gets to participate in which programs, and how can counselors and judicial boards ensure there will be no regression? Those are just a couple of questions that will be answered...
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...International Journal of Drug Policy 23 (2012) 242–247 Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect International Journal of Drug Policy journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/drugpo Research paper Nicotine control: E-cigarettes, smoking and addiction Kirsten Bell a,∗ , Helen Keane b a b Department of Anthropology, 6303 NW Marine Drive, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada School of Sociology, Building 22, Hayden Allen Building, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t Background: Over the past year or so, electronic cigarettes, more commonly known as ‘e-cigarettes’, have achieved widespread visibility and growing popularity. These products, which deliver nicotine via an inhaled mist, have caused no small amount of controversy in public health circles, and their rise has been accompanied by energetic debate about their potential harms and benefits. Methods: Interspersed with an analysis of current media coverage on e-cigarettes and the response of mainstream tobacco control and public health to these devices, this article examines the emergence of nicotine as both as an ‘addiction’ and a treatment for addiction. Results: We argue that by delivering nicotine in way that resembles the visual spectacle and bodily pleasures of smoking, but without the harms of combustible tobacco, e-cigarettes highlight the complex status of nicotine as both a poison and remedy in...
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...program transitioning to a lower level of care outpatient treatment. While attending both programs she participates in group and individual sessions addressing her domestic violence which she experienced by her past boyfriends. Additionally, Ms. Lee sought treatment to address her mental health diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) which she was prescribed antidepressants. Ms Lee also resided in transitional housing which she would present to her probation officer for random urine drug screens. Over the month Ms. Lee was able to obtain gainful employment, stable housing and regain custody of her children. However, Ms. Lee violated her probation after testing positive on a random urine drug screen (Geyer, 2009). The purpose of this paper is to discuss treatment outcomes models: recidivism model, relapse model, and harm-reduction model. The recidivism, relapse, and harm-reduction model have in common are they are used in forensic treatment literature (Geyer,...
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...push of the 90s, doctors were writing opioid prescriptions at the drop of a hat. OxyContin was supposed to be a wonder drug, able to manage pain to the point of increased movement and productivity in those who took it as prescribed. The problem, as we all know, is that the level of misuse was off the charts. The time released version of OxyContin was designed to deliver a slow, consistent dose of pain medication to the user over a 12 hour period. However, for those misusing the drug for a high, this just presented an opportunity to crush up the pills and ‘snort’ them, thereby delivering a super dose of the opioid. What once was a problem predominantly in the southern counties of Maine started to climb farther and farther north as the paper mills and the towns they supported rolled up the sidewalks and shut their doors for good. Suddenly, the mill workers, lobstermen, and construction workers were out of a job. The loss of employment led to the loss of affordable insurance. The lack of insurance made previously affordable medications more expensive, sometimes by quite a margin. The loss of programs and activities for youth due to hard economic times contributed to the rise of drug abuse among the younger, school-aged generation. Additionally, easier access to diverted prescription opioids was at an all time high. The presence of these factors in tandem produced a generation with an unprecedented addiction rate. Traffic: The Danger Comes North After the better part of two...
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...Gwendolyn Smith MGMT 520 Prof Carr May 22,, 2015 MGMT 520: Week two Homework 1. State the administrative agency that that controls the regulation? The agency that controls SAMHSA is the US Dept. of Health and Human Services. Congress established Samhsa in 1992 to make substance abuse and mental health information, services and research more accessible. Briefly explain why this agency and the proposed regulation change interest you? I chose The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also known as SAMHA because I have worked in the field of substance abuse for over 20 years. The regulation I have chosen is the Affordable health Care Act 2010 has a direct effect on the clients that I serve. This regulation has and will continue to affect my clients and the business that I am in and the agency I work for. The affordable health care caused our agency to become third party insurance providers to be able to continue services for the majority of our clients and to remain marketable in a system of continual change. 2. Describe the proposal or change? http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/timeline/timeline-text.htm * Making Care More Affordable. Tax credits to make it easier for the middle class to afford insurance will become available for people with income between 100% and 400% of the poverty line who are not eligible for other affordable coverage. (In 2010, 400% of the poverty line comes out to about $43,000 for an individual or $88,000 for a family...
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