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The Development of levo-Tetrahydropalmatine as a Treatment for Nicotine AddictionThe negative consequences of nicotine use are well known and documented, however, abstaining from nicotine use and achieving abstinence poses a major challenge for the majority of nicotine users trying to quit. l-Tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP), a compound extracted from the Chinese herb Corydalis, has been used clinically in China for over 40 years as a sedative and analgesic. l-THP has also displayed utility in the treatment of drug addiction, particularly cocaine and heroin addiction. The objective of this dissertation was to investigate if the utility of l-THP could be extended to include treatment of nicotine addiction. As such, the effect of l-THP treatment on abuse-related effects of nicotine was assessed in various behavioral models of nicotine addiction. Once the utility of l-THP was determined, the efficacy of l-THP was tested against varenicline and bupropion, FDA approved treatments for nicotine addiction. To better understand neurochemical changes that occur with l-THP administration, microdialysis experiments were performed where it was found that l-THP interacts with the mesolimbic dopamine system, a prominent pathway of drug addiction. The efficacy of l-THP in the treatment of various models of nicotine addiction and its interaction with the mesolimbic dopamine system make l-THP an attractive compound to study concerning nicotine addiction. Given the long standing safe use of l-THP in China and this new preclinical data, l-THP warrants further study and development for the treatment of nicotine addiction.
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Phenomenology of relapse and lived experience among female opiate addictsAddiction to heroin and other opiates is a complex, multi-faceted problem that is considered to be resistant to treatment interventions. Addicts use greater quantities of drugs more frequently than social users and are more severely impaired as shown by related social, legal, and interpersonal problems. These individuals consume a disproportionate share of available treatment resources. Traditional approaches to treatment are not effective in maintaining sobriety among chronic addicts. Available information on substance abuse has focused on the experience of men. Little is known of women's experiences as addicts and how societal responses to female addicts differ from those of men. Data on prevalence, differences in progression and consequences of addiction by gender are limited. There is a need for greater intervention into the psychological, social and community systems of the addict's drug use and behavior patterns to promote post-treatment abstinence. The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics of women who are chronic opiate addicts and to explore psychological, social, and life experiences which inhibit abstinence and adaptation to recovery. Data were collected through a series of intensive interviews with four female opiate addicts. The potential for linking understanding of addiction recovery as a psychological process which incorporates predictable phases and transitions of identity with the prevention of relapse is explored. Theories of crisis, loss and grief focus on resolution of the experience as an essential and final phase of the transformation process. Promotion of full retirement from active addiction and acceptance of a sober lifestyle may be enhanced by such a theoretical model. Implications of the study address the potential for more effective and population-specific models of assessment, intervention, and treatment retention for high-risk, hard to reach populations of chronic addicts. The key factors appear to be a sufficient length of time to accomplish this transition and a belief in the ultimate success of such an effort.
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Hidden Hazards: The Business Response to Addictions in the WorkplaceThe 2009 annual report tackles some of the myths and long-held beliefs about addictions and their impact on workplaces across Canada. We distill the key findings concerning addictions and present these in a manner that can lead to a clear understanding of the issues for HR/Benefits practitioners and other business leaders interested in contributing to building a healthy and safe workplace. In the tradition of previous reports, we review numerous empirical studies with an emphasis on Canadian data when available. We offer this report to our customers and other key stakeholders in an effort to bring the most current and empirically validated perspectives to this very important issue. Our hope is that this report will assist you by summarizing key elements on addictions which may prompt you to take action such as creating or updating a substance use policy, initiating an awareness campaign at all levels of your organization, or providing information about available support services.
