Problem of heroin addiction and its treatment

Problem of heroin addiction and its treatment Heroin is a highly addictive both physically and psychologically drug of an opiate group. Its usage has serious effects on body such as destruction of bone tissues and teeth, (opiates wash-out calcium), hepatocholecystitis (heroine is transformed into morphine in liver), acute hepatic failure, collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining and valves, abscesses and pneumonia. It also may lead to hepatitis and HIV due to usage of dirty syringes, tuberculosis and fetal effects. It changes persons perception of reality and might cause a destructive, violent and criminal behavior which have a devastating impact on society. When opiate drugs are taken they change into morphine which has a similar structure to endorphins which are normally used for reduction of pain. They stimulate the brain and are responsible for lifting a persons mood, helping that person feel motivated for everyday purposes by blocking receptors in synapses between neurons. When a drug is taken the receptors are blocke d with morphine instead, however it takes more time to decompose and an organism stops produce endorphins. As a result an addict dies within six months to one year after beginning to use the opiate. If a drug is not being taken, an addict feels a phantom pain which is very difficult to bear, this is an abstinence syndrome. At this time his or her organism goes through detoxication which includes diarrhea, muscles pain (cramp), headache, vomiting, fever and insomnia. Heroin is a relatively cheap drug and therefore can be easily obtained by young people and its usage often causes fatality from both physical effect and actions during altered consciousness. Treatment of heroin addiction is a difficult, lengthy and complex process, consisting of three main components: removal of physiological addiction, removal of psychological addiction and social rehabilitation. Nowadays there is no clear position on medical treatment of heroin addiction and scientists are trying to find a solution. 1.2 ab At present Opiate replacement therapy (ORT) is one of possible solutions for physiological removal. Essentially, the method is to provide a substance abuser with a drug with the similar biochemical effects on the body but having the lowest possible narcotic effect. A dose of replacement drug is slowly and gradually decreased. The therapy may take 5 8 years. At the expense of this metabolic state of physiological of non-drug users is achieved. The most common drug used as a replacement is methadone and a therapy is known as methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Methadone is an agonist (substance or drug that can interact with receptors and initiate a physiological or pharmacological characteristics of the response of the receptor, triggering a chain of intracellular biochemical processes in the body) taken orally and rapidly absorbed to plasma within thirty minutes of being ingested. It is also stored in body tissues and gradually released when needed. It creates tolerance so a pati ent cannot feel a narcotic effect. A dose (25-150 mg to avoid tolerance) of methadone reduces withdrawal symptoms and at the same time and craving for a drug stabilizing rate of metabolism. The effect lasts for from 24 to 36 hours. The goal of methadone maintenance treatment is socialization of addicts, the abolition of their intravenous drug use, conducted strictly under the supervision of specialists. C:Usersà Ã‚ ¤Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ »Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ ²Ãƒ Ã‚ ° à Ã…“à Ã‚ °Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ Ã‚ ¸Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚ Desktopissue report à Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Ãƒ Ã‚ Ãƒ Ã‚ ¢Ãƒ Ã‚ ¬!!!!methadone.gif The graph clearly shows that theoretically methadone detoxication is effective and fast. It shows best result when used in long-term. Studies show that methadone maintenance treatment drastically reduces illegal opiate use, criminal behavior, risky sexual practices, and the transmission of HIV. Methadone is not harmful for any major organs even when taken for many years. . However the skin becomes waxy or yellowish color because the methadone completely deprives the body of calcium (osteoporosis). A person feels pain in the bones, they become brittle and break easily In addition, every person has unique dosage needs. People metabolize methadone differently, and therefore doses should not be capped by maximum recommendations. To avoild overdose the healthcare provider should evaluate cessation of drug cravings and the reduction of withdrawal symptoms to determine the ideal methadone dosage. In 2005, more than 4,000 people fatally overdosed on methadone or methadone and other drugs together. Many of these people were using high doses of methadone in an unsupervised effort to treat pain, or were illicitly using methadone for recreational purposes. When methadone is used in complex with social rehabilitation it gives good results. Psychotherapy largely determines the stability of the effect of drug therapy, duration and quality of remissions. Psychotherapy will not be effective in the absence of an addict desires to get rid of drug addiction. 2.1 One of the implications to the problem is that patients are selected strictly to enter the program. In Sweden, for example, there are strict criteria for methadone treatment: a minimum of four years of opiate addiction confirmed by medical records, an indication of a history of unsuccessful passage of many other forms of therapy, presence of medical indications for methadone maintenance therapy, must be older than 20 and not have any other addictions except for opiate. It is very difficult to overcome the addiction and follow all of the rules without any support. As a result an intense social rehabilitation is a very important on a long way of getting better. However some countries where heroin addiction is common do not poses such social program. If a full complex is used 10-20% of people overcome the addiction, however 10-15% return to uncontrolled drug abuse. If the replacement therapy is used commonly as the only solution for treatment of all opiate dependencies, it would decrease efficiency of prophylactic actions and would be seen as an easy way to escape responsibilities and implications after using a drug by beginner drug abusers. This consequently would increase usage of drugs overall. In many countries methadone is forbidden due to its narcotic effect when used not for medical purposes. If Federal Drug Control service makes a mistake, it will raise illegal methadone traffic. For example while methadone maintenance therapy in Lithuania number of drug addicts increased 8 times. Furthermore, when methadone treatment became very popular in Belorussia in 2004, as a result 3.5times more of methadone was withdrawn by the police from illegal traffic and 2 times less of heroin. Recently, The Independent raised a question of drug addiction in Russia. It is forbidden to use replacement therapy especially methadone to treat addicts, the government is against this however the scientists are sure in the need to run the program. Researches state that the rate of HIV spread would decrease drastically (around 55% if the MMT is used). The treatment has advantages and disasvantages. MMT is relatively cheap ($13 per day) but effective at the same time. (Office of National Drug Control Policy, 1998a). MMT reduces the spread of HIV/AIDS infection, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted diseases (COMPA, 1997). Heroin users are known to share needles and participate in at-risk sexual activity and prostitution, which are significant factors in the spread of many diseases. Research suggests that MMT significantly decreases the rate of HIV infection for those patients participating in MMT programs (Firshein, 1998). The patient remains physically dependent on the opioid, but is freed from the uncontrolled, compulsive, and disruptive behavior seen in heroin addicts. Withdrawal from methadone is much slower than that from heroin. As a result, it is possible to maintain an addict on methadone without harsh side effects. There is a huge risk if a person stays on methadone for longer than 14 days; there is an 80 percent chance that he or she will stay with their methadone maintenance treatment for six months or longer. A lot of patients need a treatment over a period of years. There are some alternative solutions which should be mentioned: Buprenorphine maintenance treatment. It has its advantages : Low likelihood of overdose. Relatively easier withdrawal Less side effects. Some patients may be taken every other day in an appropriate dosage. The optimal dose blocks the action of other opiates (but not for such a long period, such as methadone) because of which it becomes impossible to supplementation of illegal drugs However there are some disadvantages to consider: Withdrawal syndrome is not always eliminated, not all drug addicts, can occur when the transition from heroin and other opium derivatives. Enhances the side effects of tranquilizers, antipsychotics, which may lead to overdose if their joint application. High cost of medication. 2. Apomorphine treatment

Tok Titles for the 2011-2012

These are the following titles that were given for 2011-2012. 1600 words need to be written. 1. Knowledge is generated through the interaction of critical and creative thinking. Evaluate this statement in two areas of knowledge. 2. Compare and contrast knowledge which can be expressed in words/symbols with knowledge that cannot be expressed in this way. Consider CAS and one or more areas of knowledge. 3. Using history and at least one other area of knowledge, examine the claim that it is possible to attain knowledge despite problems of bias and selection. . When should we discard explanations that are intuitively appealing? 5. What is it about theories in the human sciences and natural sciences that makes them convincing? 6. ‘It is more important to discover new ways of thinking about what is already known than to discover new data or facts'. To what extent would you agree with this claim? 7. ‘The vocabulary we have does more than communicate our knowledge; it shapes what we can know'. Evaluate this claim with reference to different areas of knowledge. . Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of using faith as a basis for knowledge in religion and in one area of knowledge from the ToK diagram. 9. As an IB student, how has your learning of literature and science contributed to your understanding of individuals and societies? 10. ‘Through different methods of justification, we can reach conclusions in ethics that are as well-supported as those provided in mathematics. ‘ To what extent would you agree?

Autism and Mental Retardation Essay

Respond to the following: 1. List the primary features of autism. Children with autism are unresponsive to others, uncommunicative, repetitive, and rigid their symptoms usually appear before the age of three. An autistic individual will have difficulty sustaining employment, accomplishing household responsibilities, and leading independent lives. Furthermore, they express having problems displaying closeness and empathy and have limited interests and activities. The characteristics seem to be pronounced as indifferent in physical care and affectionate expressive interest in those who are taking care of them. Verbal communication and language impairments and inability to use speech are often primary features of autism. Some autistic individuals may exhibit Echolalia a echoing of phrases used without apparent understanding. Some may even repeat sentences a week later, this is called delayed echolalia. Their variation of speech difficulties include; paranormal reversal, difficulty in naming objects, lack of verbal understanding and use of suitable ton e in their voice while talking. Some noticeable characteristics that often expose autism are their lack of imagination while playing, rigid, abnormal and repetitive behaviors, failure to accept environmental change and obsession with animate things and inanimate things. They express repetitive and unusual motor movements like flapping their hands, and odd facial expressions. Below is a checklist the DSM has provided for a guideline to diagnosis of autism. 1. A total of at least six items from the following groups of symptoms: A. Impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following: (a) Marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction. (b) Failure to develop peer relationships appropriately. (c) Lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people. (d) Lack of social or emotional reciprocity. B. Impairment in communication, as manifested by at least one of the  following: (a) Delay in or total lack of, the development of spoken language. (b) In individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to start or sustain a conversation with others. (c) Stereotyped and repetitive use of language, or idiosyncratic language. (d) Lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play. C. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following: (a) Abnormal preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest. (b) Inflexible adherence to specific nonfunctional routines or rituals. (c) Stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting). (d) Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects. 2. Prior to 3 years of age, delay or abnormal functioning in either social interaction, language, or symbolic or imaginative play. 2. Which explanation for autism is no longer considered valid and lacks research support? The sociocultural model lacks support and the theory suggests that autism could progress through particular personality characteristics of the parents. These characteristics generated unfavorable development and contributed to the development of the disorder. This theory is no longer considered. 3. What forms of treatment are helpful for a person with autism? The treatment that is helpful for a person with autism is behavioral therapy, communication training, parent training, and community integration. Psychotropic drugs and certain vitamins have at times aided when joined with other approaches. Behavioral therapies consist of therapist using modeling and operant conditioning. In modeling they exhibit a chosen behavior and direct the individual to reproduce it. In operant conditioning, they reinforce such behaviors, first by shaping them, breaking them down so they can be learned step by step and then rewarding each step visibly and consistently. These measures often create more purposeful behaviors and long term achievements. Communication Training is a therapy that is often taught to those individuals who remain speechless. They are taught other forms of communication, including sign language and simultaneous communication, a method combining sign language and speech. They also learn  to use augmentative communication systems, such as communication boards or computers that use pictures, symbols, or written words to represent objects or needs. In some programs teachers try to recognize essential underlined forcers rather than insignificant ones like food or candy. They encourage participation in choosing an item they want and then encouraging them to ask for it with questions like; what’s that? Where is it? And whose is it? The studies have found that child- directed interventions increase self-initiated communications, language development, and social participation. Parenting training programs train parents so they can apply behavioral techniques at home. They are provided with instruction manuals, and teachers do home visits. Individual therapy and support groups help parents of autistic children deal with their own emotions and needs. Community integration is a great tool for autistic individuals, In today’s school and home based programs there are programs for autism children to teach self-help, self-management, and living, social, and work skills as early as possible to help children function better in their communities. There have been many workshops and group homes available now for teenagers and young adults with autism to help them become a part of their communities. These types of programs give parents a since of relief as their child will always need supervision. 4. List the criteria for a diagnosis of mental retardation: The DSM-IV-TR gives guidelines to the diagnosis of mental retardation. Individuals need to display general intellectual functioning that is well below average, in combination with poor adaptive behavior. As well as having a low IQ score of 70 or below. There should be notable difficulty in communication, home living, self-direction, work or safety. These symptoms should appear before the age of 18. 5. Explain one way in which sociocultural biases in testing might pose problems for assessing mental retardation. Sociocultural biased in testing that might pose a problem for assessing mental retardation is IQ testing. IQ testing in some children has caused them to be labeled retarded when they had trouble speaking the language at a level that would establish their IQ. 6. Of the four levels of mental retardation, into which category do most  people with mental retardation fall? Mild level – IQ ranges from 50 – 70. â€Å"They are sometimes called â€Å"educably retarded† because they can benefit from schooling and can support themselves as adults† (Cromer, 2011). 7. What are the main types of biological causes of mental retardation? The main types of biological causes of mental retardation are Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and fragile X syndrome. 8. What is the only way to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome? The only way to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome is to not drink during pregnancy. 9. What are normalization and mainstreaming? Normalization and mainstreaming are educational terms; they reference the settlement of mentally retarded individuals within ordered classrooms. This is to make sure these individuals can intermingle and learn along with typical fellow students. The school systems have made adjustments and adaptations to their core curriculum and the teaching given to the mentally retarded child. 10. What is your opinion about mainstreaming and normalization for children and adults with autism or mental retardation? I agree with mainstreaming for a person who is suffering from autism or mental retardation. Autism runs in my family, and I have a cousin who is the same as age as I am and she did not receive mainstreaming when she was younger and she is severely handicapped I believe because of this. On the other hand, our classrooms are overcrowded and teachers are experiencing challenges within the so called â€Å"normal† population. Labeling these individuals at such an early age incorporates stereotyping within the classroom and can cause even more hardship for those individuals. My ex-husband’s brother had an autistic child who is thriving and even attending college classes at a University. He did have special schooling and went to private therapies. His success was through behavioral therapy and parenting training. I would say mainstreaming should be considered on the level of the disorder. If the disorder is extreme, then consideration should be given to the teacher and her other thirty something students. It is a hard question when in fact someone could be mildly retarded or highly retarded and the school system really needs to know just where the individual stands with their language ability and social ability. Resource: Comer, R. J. (2011). Fundamentals of abnormal psychology (6th ed.). New York, NY.

Teacher-Student Interaction Essay - 2093 Words

Teacher-Student Interaction Being able to determine what teachers expect from students and what students expect from teachers is the key to creating positive classrooms that work. Teacher-Student interaction is a two way street; The students relate to the teachers, and the teachers relate to the students. If teachers develop and build upon self-esteem and mutual respect within their classrooms, the teachers will achieve positive relationships with the students. Many years ago, power relationships and authority figures in our society were clearly defined. Dad ruled the household; moms and kids complied. Bosses ruled the work-place, and the workers who were brave enough to challenge them would lose their jobs. Within this ranking order†¦show more content†¦There comes a time when the students want to share their ideas to their professors and their professors and their classmates. But the fear that holds the student back by not allowing him/her to speak up is the fear of refusal and humiliation. Many stud ents fear that by voicing their personal opinions, the professor will not only turn their back on them but give the student a bad grade for not agreeing with the professors views. In the case of the maverick student, the professor allowed the other students to embarrass the maverick student. The class learned that bringing out such controversial views would carry a high social cost. They would be less likely to repeat the error of their fellow student (Chenney 113). Many students ideas and point of view are not respected by the professor and the students. In the case of the maverick student, the professor should not have allowed his classmates to embarrass him. There are ways that a professor and students can express their own views without having to attack someone else. 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