Pharmacology is defined as the scientific study of the actions of drugs and their effects on a living organism. It is the scientific study of drugs which includes their origin, actions, interactions, and properties. There are two terms that we should know when remembering the term pharmacology which are; pharmacokinetics which is the effect of the body on the drug, and pharmacodynamics which is the effect of the drug on the body.
A substance abuse counselor should always have a great deal of knowledge on pharmacology because without it a counselor may have a rough time understanding the very important factors that play a key role in understanding the drugs, such as side effects, potency, withdrawals, and safety of the particular drug.
Pharmacokinetics is an important term to know when dealing with drug administration and there affects. Pharmacokinetics is the branch of pharmacology that deals with what happens to drugs when they are ingested or administered. The effects of a substance are influenced by the method that the substance enters the body. There are many routes of administration, for example; a drug can be inhaled and absorbed into the lungs, taken orally, injected in a vein, muscles, or under the skin, snorted through the nose or absorbed by the mucosa membranes, drunk and absorbed by the small intestine, or absorbed through the skin.
Inhalation, drugs such as nicotine, solvents, marijuana and other drugs used for lung disorders are inhaled through the mouth. Some drugs such as cocaine is usually inhaled (snorted) through the nose where it is then absorbed through the mucosa membranes in the nose. Injection is a way of getting a drug (liquid) into the body by using a needle and syringe, usually by injecting ...
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...harmful consequences as well as the neurochemical changes in the brain (it roughly corresponds with DSM’s definition of dependence, but remember DSM does use the term addiction). Another definition of addiction is that it is the psychological and physical dependence on a substance. There are many different definitions of additions because addictions vary. For instance, some treat addiction as behaviorally, so does that mean that addiction is only related to behavioral problems? It is logical to say that every drug substance is not equally addicting, just like in the effect of the drug itself. However addiction potential has many related factors, like the ability of the substance to act at the brain’s pleasure center (addiction site). Therefore the definition varies, as in what one doctor, researcher etc. defines may vary in difference with the next scientist, etc.
17). Dowieko (2015) points out that “methods of administration and routes of administration are important factors that affect the user experience” (p.17). There are thirteen different ways that a compound can be introduced to the body (Kamienski and Keogy (2006), Doweiko, 2015, p. 17). Compounds administered by the “enteral method enter the body by the gastrointestinal tract ”(Brody, 1994, Dowieko ,2015, p. 17). “Compounds administered by the parenteral method of drug administration involves the injection of a compound directly into the body” (Dowieko, 2015,
be absorbed. PCP can be snorted or inhaled, put in a pill form and swallowed,
There are many different definitions in which people provide regarding addiction. May (1988) describes that addiction “is a state of compulsion, obsession, or preoccupation that enslaves a person’s will and desire” (p. 14). Individuals who suffer from addiction provide their time and energy toward other things that are not healthy and safe. The book
To be a substance abuse counselor, a person should be able to communicate well orally and through writing. They should have the education and experience to give the best possible suggestions to their
George F. Koob defines addiction as a compulsion to take a drug without control over the intake and a chronic relapse disorder (1). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association defined "substance dependence" as a syndrome basically equivalent to addiction, and the diagnostic criteria used to describe the symptoms of substance dependence to a large extent define compulsion and loss of control of drug intake (1). Considering drug addiction as a disorder implies that there are some biological factors as well as social factors.
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Addiction is normally thought of as drug abuse and alcoholism but people can also be addicted to things such as gambling and sex as well. The controversy on if addiction is a disease or a choice is a continuous debate. Everyone has an opinion on this topic, one side believes it’s a disease, while the other believes it is a choice. Although addiction has been assumed to be a lack of willpower and a weakness, addiction is actually a complex disease that changes the wiring of the brain. Addiction is a brain disease expressed in the form of compulsive behavior (Leshner.) Both devolping
“Pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) can be seen as two sides of the same coin. PK and PD have a definite relationship, assessing how much drug gets to the site of action and then what that action is. Both activities are essential in the complete investigation of the interaction between the drug and body, and play significant roles in both drug development and their continual use in the clinical setting (Institute Of Clinical Research, Clinical Pharmacology Special Interest Group, Pharmacokinetics vs. Pharmacodynamics).”
The ability to become reflective in practice has become a necessary skill for health professionals. This is to ensure that health professionals are continuing with their daily learning and improving their practice. Reflective practice plays a big part in healthcare today and is becoming increasingly noticed.
Main Point: What defines an addiction? According to Psychology Today, “Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance…. or engages in an activity….that can be pleasurable but the continued use/act of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, such as work, relationships, or health.” This can range anywhere from drug use to eating disorders, to gambling, to even texting in today’s generation. Shocking to say the least, especially when most people do not even know they are addicted or are an addict until they realize this definition.
Addiction is a very strong word that brings along many negative connotations. When we think of an addiction we imagine someone who depends on a certain substance, most likely alcohol to have their needs met. Addiction is defined by the Webster dictionary as, "a compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal." Even though our society sees addiction and only applies the word to drug addicts and alcoholics, there is a much wider range of subjects that fall under the umbrella of what an addiction truly is. An addiction is a dependency on any kind of materialistic object that you use on a day to day basis that brings
Addiction is defined simply as a strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as drugs) or do something like gambling (Addiction, 2016). Addiction can be crippling and can control all aspects of your life to the point of not being able to function as a productive member of society. Addicts can have a life long struggle, even once sober, or clean, from the addiction.
Addiction is a chronic brain disease characterized by compulsive drug and substance use. Despite its harmful consequences to the human body, addicts continue to seek for more drugs to keep their systems active. Millions of people abuse drugs and substances in the world today. As a result of substance abuse, addicts can easily lose control of their actions. Addiction is a long-lasting brain illness that disrupts the normal body functioning. It holds the brain hostage.
I pleased to apply to the PharmD program as the program is one area that corresponds to my career dreams. Being part of this program gives one the opportunity to gain an excellent experience in working and collaborating with various health care providers in the ward. But more importantly, it facilitates a practical environment in dealing more closely with patients. Hence, it helps to provide the ultimate health care services to patients. Also, it permits me to carry on gaining different knowledge, skills, and values in addition to those I have already developed during my undergraduate studies. My interest in being a clinical pharmacist was first aroused during my SPEP rotation in the hospital setting where I was really impressed with the role of clinical pharmacists who provide a consistent process of patient care with healthcare teams to maintain the appropriateness, effectiveness and safety of the medication use. Unlike a pharmacist, a clinical pharmacist has a more diversified responsibilities and closeness to direct patient care. Moreover, provides
4. Cocaine is either snorted or dissolved in water and injected directly into the blood stream and Crack is smoked.
Molecular pharmacology deals with the biochemical and biophysical characteristics of interactions between molecules of different substances and those of the cell. In other words, it is molecular biology applied to pharmacologic and toxicologic questions. The methods of molecular pharmacology include precise mathematical, physical, chemical and molecular biological techniques to understand how cells respond to hormones or pharmacologic agents, and how chemical structure correlates with biological activity of various