Essay on "Alcohol Withdrawal versus Opiate"

Quoted Instructions for "Alcohol Withdrawal versus Opiate" Assignment:

Part 1

As a clinical mental health counselor, it is important to understand the biological processes related to mental health issues. Understanding the relationship between biology and substance abuse or addiction is critical. This assignment will help you to clarify your understanding of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. You should also listen to the lecture, review supplemental materials, and use the rubrics as guides to help you complete the assignment. This assignment will count toward your final grade and is due by Day 7, and is worth 50 points. As part of this assignment, you will reflect on the reading material, videos, and information from the Pearson Lab - Learning Outcomes 2 and 3. You should complete all of the activities associated with learning outcomes in the lab and watch the associated videos.

Learning Outcomes 1. Define and understand the terminology commonly associated with the field of chemical dependency. 2. Describe the major effects of depressants, stimulants, cannabinoids, hallucinogens, opioids, and inhalants on the human brain and biological and physiological processes of the body. 3. Describe the genetic, biological, environmental, social, psychological, and philosophical influences of addiction.

Directions Read your textbook chapters and additional resources. Also, complete all of the related material in MyCounselingLab. Reflect on the following as part of this assignment (two or three pages). 1. Discuss the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of opioids (2-3 paragraphs). Be sure to identify neurotransmitters, specific sites in the brain that play a role with opioids, and information related to how the drug is metabolized. 2. Review the physiological and psychological process related to withdrawal from opioids. Symptoms and processes vary based on individual differences, the class of substance used, the amount of substance taken, and the length of time over which the substance was taken. Compare and contrast withdrawal from opioids from withdrawal from alcohol (2 paragraphs) 3. Seriousness of symptoms may require a different level of care. Counselors need to know about these complications and the appropriate treatment recommendations for clients who are at risk. Discuss the considerations for treatment level related to opioid abuse/dependence. What symptoms might be present? What might be of medical concern? (1-2 paragraphs). 4. Discuss how you might explain to a client the physiology of tolerance. (2 paragraphs). Provide any necessary graphs or charts you might use.

Part 2

Stoops, W. W., Hatton, K. W., Lofwall, M. R., Nuzzo, P. A., & Walsh, S. L. (2010). Intravenous oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine in recreational opioid users: Abuse potential and relative potencies. Psychopharmacology, 212(2), 193-203. doi:10.1007/s00213-010-1942-4

Read the assigned article for the week *Consider all of the associated reading materials and MyCounselingLab materials *Provide a critique of the assigned article using related reading and materials in support of your critique. *Critique must include all five criteria:Use APA formatting. *Introduction and summary of the article *Major strengths in the article. *Major weaknesses or gaps in the article *Two areas to consider in the practice of substance abuse counseling *Personal reflection and conclusion