Alcoholism and the Naltrexone Experiment

             Alcoholism is a chronic illness which can affect anyone - any race, creed, or social class anyone can develop the disease of alcoholism. People who suffer from this disease aren't able to control the amount of alcohol they consume. Studies within the last 20 years revealed alcoholism is not just linked to genetics. In the new model of alcoholism is shows that stress and fear are core of alcoholism. Recent research studies have revealed more possible cures for alcoholism. In this essay, we will be touching on topics of the experiments, the "new model of alcoholism" and reasons why people become addicted to alcohol.
             The Naltrexone Experiment was to show Naltrexone could prevent or reduce cravings and control or decrease drinking in alcohol dependent people. The data that was collected showed that people who drank voluntarily their brains release endorphins which invoke a positive feeling or reward –pleasure feeling due to the effects of alcohol. When that happens, it makes the non-dependent alcoholic person would want to drink more because of the feeling. In the OPRM1 experiment, they discovered even more about alcoholism. People who carried OPRM1 variant were susceptible to both alcoholism and naltrexone treatment. It showed that people who had an opportunity would voluntarily get intoxicated, because of the good feeling patients felt when they drank alcohol. And when treated with naltrexone they were just as successful of not craving alcohol. Alcoholism develops over time in a person. When years of binge drinking can change the person from independent to a dependent of alcohol relationship. Stress can enhance the dependency of alcohol because it becomes a stress relief instead of the experience of pleasure or a reward.
             Another receptor was found in alcoholism called CRH1 (corticotropin releasing hormone) i a hormone within the brain when receptors are released and bind to the amyldaga. The hormone controls behavioral stress a...

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Alcoholism and the Naltrexone Experiment. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 11:45, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/203666.html