The study yielded positive results, and established that the menstrual cycle and the fluctuation in sex steroid hormones are relevant factors in influencing cocaine craving caused by drug cues and stress (Sinha, Fox, Hong, Sofuoglu, Morgan & Bergquist, 2007). Moreover, drug cue exposure influenced the anxiety and blood pressure responses of the women subjects of this study (Sinha, Fox, Hong, Sofuoglu, Morgan & Bergquist, 2007).
These findings are relevant in the study of drug dependence, because then experts would have a clearer basis in formulating treatment specifically designed for women who have heightened sensitivity to cocaine craving (Sinha, Fox, Hong, Sofuoglu, Morgan & Bergquist, 2007). It is worth noting that some kinds of treatment may not be effective and may even cause the exacerbation of the problem (Anglin & Hser, 1990).
For example, treatment of drug abuse often leads to complications such as psychiatric disorders, social adversities, criminal involvement, and involvement with related issues such as alcohol abuse and polydrug use (Anglin & Hser, 1990). Recently, the amygdala has been the focus of attention in many investigations, specifically on the matter of its role in the processes that lie beneath the acquisition and perpetuation of chronic drug dependence (See, Fuchs, Ledford, & McLaughlin, 2003).
Such investigations are moved by findings that “the amygdala has multiple connections and interactions that uniquely contribute to the regulation of affective behavior (See, Fuchs, Ledford, & McLaughlin, 2003). ” However, recent studies still fail to establish with certainty the role of the amygdala in conditioned-cued relapse for drugs abuse (See, Fuchs, Ledford, & McLaughlin, 2003). Therefore, there is a need to further study and understand relevant transmitter systems that subserve drug-seeking behaviors (See, Fuchs, Ledford, & McLaughlin, 2003).
This should enable investigators to discover new pharmacological treatment approaches that could prevent relapse and break patterns of repetitive, compulsive drug use (See, Fuchs, Ledford, & McLaughlin, 2003). Conclusion. It must be remembered that the efficacy of any of these treatment methods, and the evaluation of treatment outcomes, depend in large part to various factors, such as client characteristics and the characteristics of the treatment-programs themselves (Anglin & Hser, 1990).
It appears futile to classify drug users because such classifications have little or nothing to do with the efficacy of different types of treatment programs (Anglin & Hser, 1990). Moreover, the identification of factors that claim to predict patterns of relapse or posttreatment abstinence yielded less than definitive results and findings (Anglin & Hser, 1990).
One important aspect to pursue, in addition to substitution therapy, is relapse prevention training, wherein the former drug dependent is trained to “insulate the carefully cultivated attitudes, skills, and intentions derived from the treatment process against the corrosive influences that ay exist in the personal circumstances and immediate communities of the user (Anglin & Hser, 1990). ” Under this program, clients and program staffs alike are trained into identifying events and situations that serve as stimuli to foster relapse (Anglin & Hser, 1990).
They are also taught to recognize signs and symptoms linked with relapse, and to practice techniques that interrupt relapse progression (Anglin & Hser, 1990). Common forms of this training are residential and long-term outpatient programs (Anglin & Hser, 1990). References Addiction Science Network. (2000). A Primer on Drug Addiction. Retrieved October 31, 2007, from http://www. addictionscience. net/ASNprimer. htm Anglin, M. D. & Hser, Y. (1990). Treatment of Drug Abuse.
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