This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: What factors account for the majority of deaths associated with heroin use? What will be an ideal ... (Read 69 times)

vicotolentino

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 552
What factors account for the majority of deaths associated with heroin use?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Both methadone (Dolophine) and naltrexone (ReVia), drugs with very difference pharmacological properties, have been used in the treatment of heroin addiction. What is/are the rationales for the use of methadone and naltrexone in this problem?
 
  What will be an ideal response?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

mcarey591

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 365
Answer to Question 1

Most heroin-associated deaths are due to the life-style of the addict, e.g., poor nutrition, sharing of needles, drug deals that turn violent. As a result AIDS and other infectious agents are most common causes of death. Also, interactions between heroin and other drugs, e.g., alcohol, cocaine, can also cause death. Sometimes, adulterants mixed with heroin are implicated in heroin deaths.

Answer to Question 2

Methadone and naltrexone are both orally effective and long-lasting drugs that reduce (methadone) or eliminate (naltrexone) the reinforcing effects that might accompany heroin administration. Methadone does this because it is an opiate agonist and produces cross-tolerance to heroin, whereas naltrexone is an opiate antagonist and blocks heroin's access to brain receptors. Methadone also decreases heroin craving considerably. It can be given to the physically dependent addict and used to either gradually wean the addict off opiates with gradual decrease in dose. Naltrexone would only be used with addicts that are no longer physically dependent, but because it doesn't reduce the craving for opiates, the person would have to be highly motivated to maintain abstinence.




vicotolentino

  • Member
  • Posts: 552
Reply 2 on: Jun 22, 2018
Gracias!


bimper21

  • Member
  • Posts: 309
Reply 3 on: Yesterday
:D TYSM

 

Did you know?

It is believed that the Incas used anesthesia. Evidence supports the theory that shamans chewed cocoa leaves and drilled holes into the heads of patients (letting evil spirits escape), spitting into the wounds they made. The mixture of cocaine, saliva, and resin numbed the site enough to allow hours of drilling.

Did you know?

Malaria mortality rates are falling. Increased malaria prevention and control measures have greatly improved these rates. Since 2000, malaria mortality rates have fallen globally by 60% among all age groups, and by 65% among children under age 5.

Did you know?

When blood is exposed to air, it clots. Heparin allows the blood to come in direct contact with air without clotting.

Did you know?

Earwax has antimicrobial properties that reduce the viability of bacteria and fungus in the human ear.

Did you know?

Alzheimer's disease affects only about 10% of people older than 65 years of age. Most forms of decreased mental function and dementia are caused by disuse (letting the mind get lazy).

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library