Addiction dependence

Drug Addiction/Dependence Drug-Receptor Interaction G-protein-coupled Receptors... 

The most commonly used therapies for anxiety and depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the more recently developed serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SSRIs, which constitute 60% of the worldwide antidepressant and antianxiety market, are frequently associated with sexual dysfunction, appetite disturbances and sleep disorders. Because SSRIs and SNRIs increase 5-HT levels in the brain, they can indirectly stimulate all 14 serotonergic receptor subtypes [2,3], some of which are believed to lead to adverse side effects associated with these drugs. Common drugs for short-term relief of GAD are benzodiazepines. These sedating agents are controlled substances with addictive properties and can be lethal when used in combination with alcohol. The use of benzodiazepines is associated with addiction, dependency and cognitive impairment. 

Buspirone. Several comparative studies of buspirone and benzodiazepines have reported comparable efficacy in reducing symptoms of anxiety. However, in contrast to benzodiazepines, buspirone is devoid of significant sedative or euphoric effects. Treatment with buspirone and other azaperones, such as gepirone, ipsapirone, and tandospirone, does not result in abuse, addiction, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms [Keppel Hesselink 1992). Buspirone also spares both cognitive and psychomotor performance [N. Sussman 1994). 

Many rumors exist among teenagers regarding the addictive properties of MDMA. In fact, it is quite common for people to believe that Ecstasy is not addictive, a rumor that is perhaps perpetuated by dealers looking to sell Ecstasy. A distinction needs to be made between drugs that cause physical dependence and those that are addictive. Dependence is characterized... 

The difficulties presented by addictive dependency are not necessarily different in kind or degree from other dependencies that we would not want to count as addictions. Attachments that are central to human flourishing make us vulnerable to losses of a similar magnitude.39 It is not just a question of wanted versus unwanted addictions. Unwise attachments are not on that account addictions. 

The assessment of addiction as a form of slavery depends as much on norms regarding the value of addictive dependencies as from concerns about self-control per se. We tend to see them as demeaning or destructive rather than as possible sources of worthwhile human activity. For this reason, we tend to expect people to avoid those conditions and see the plight created by those conditions as the individual s own fault. 

In this chapter we have attempted to emphasize the psychopharmacological mechanisms of the actions of dmgs of abuse and have used these mechanisms to describe dmg dependence as well. We have attempted to define the terms frequently used in describing drug abuse and dependence, including abuse, addiction, dependence, reinforcement, tolerance, cross-tolerance and cross-dependence, withdrawal, relapse, and rebound. 

Of course, one of the most debilitating effects of heroin use is dependence and addiction. Dependence follows the same trajectory as tolerance. 

Though ketamine is still not thought to be physically addictive, dependence on the drug can be developed quickly in some people. Individuals can be so... 

Pharmacokinetics Amphetamines are completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, metabolized by the liver, and excreted in the urine. Amphetamine abusers often administer the drugs by intravenous injection and by smoking. The euphoria caused by amphetamine lasts 4 to 6 hours, or 4 to 8 times longer than the effects of cocaine. The amphetamines produce addiction—dependence, tolerance and drug-seeking behavior. 

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