Psychopharmacology

The first topic of this module explores how pharmacological interventions fit into an overall treatment plan. Some of this is covering ground you will have looked at if you did the Talking to People or Psychosocial Interventions modules. Pharmacotherapies are complementary to psychosocial interventions.

This task takes the form of a debate to raise a controversial subject about which you are expected to form an opinion. The motion is: 'alcohol minimum pricing is the only way to reduce alcohol related harms'.

In discussion with your study group, however you have construed it, clarify your thoughts on the role of pharmacotherapies in treating addiction and how you might change your practice. Be mindful that pharmacotherapies need to be used alongside a psychosocial intervention.

This topic asks the fundamental question: 'Why are drugs addictive?' - indeed why are some behaviours addictive. It is about the connections between the pharmacological properties of a drug and the psychology of addiction. These general principles apply equally to medicinal and recreational drugs.

The motion for debate with this topic is: 'categorical diagnostic data are the backbone of good prescribing practice'.

In this task you are invited, with your study group, to discuss your understanding of why drugs may be addictive and how this is relevant to your practice. This understanding is at the heart of planning how best to help people.

This topic is central to making sense of people’s experiences of taking drugs or psychoactive medications. Practitioners can apply the principles described here to make rational prescribing and treatment planning decisions including an understanding of alcohol and drug harms and harm reduction strategies.

The motion of this debate is: 'drug consumption rooms should be available to everybody with an addiction problem'.

Use your study group discussion to check that you understand how drugs work, how this can help explain what service users are telling you and how it might change your practice. Be mindful of the interplay between pharmacology and psychology.

There is a lot to take in from this topic which is about the role of pharmacotherapies and also the outcomes for specific medications. It will be clear at this stage of the module that pharmacotherapies are rarely meant to be used on their own, rather they supplement psychosocial interventions; the effectiveness of medications needs to be read in this context

In this debate you are asked to consider the motion: 'psychoactive drugs should be available over the counter'.

Your study group discussion can focus on your knowledge of how and when to use pharmacotherapies and how you might change your practice. Be mindful that 'you cannot prescribe your way out of addiction problems'.