PHARMACOLOGY
Pharmacology in Addiction
Introduction
When discussing addiction, it is important to have a baseline understanding of the
pharmacology behind the substances used by the individual affected by the disease. The National
Library of Medicine (NLM) defines pharmacology as, “the study of the origin, nature, properties,
and actions of drugs and their effects on living organisms,” (2018). To provide effective
counseling to clients, having the education behind substances, such as their class, sedative
effects, withdrawal effects, modes of use, and lifespan within the body, is important. When
armed with this information, counselors can provide an educational, yet empathetic, approach to
their clients as they navigate their addiction and recovery process. This essay will explore the
different components of pharmacology, the differing classes of drugs, ways in which drugs are
absorbed, how route of absorption affects the high, impact of knowledge on compassion and
understanding, and how faith plays a role in compassion extended.
Pharmacological Components
Often times, pharmacology is discussed with respect to pharmacokinetics and
pharmacodynamics (Doweiko, 2019). Pharmacokinetics refers to the effects of time on a drug
moving throughout the body, while pharmacodynamics refers to the way in which a drug impacts
the body, such as for how long and how strong (Doweiko, 2019). In addition to understanding
pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, it is important to differentiate between primary and
secondary effects of substance use. Primary effects refer to the desired, or intended, effects of a
compound or substance, while secondary effects refer to the side-effects of the substance, or the
unwanted effects (Doweiko, 2019).
Drug Classes
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The Doweiko (2019) text as well as Clinton and Scalise (2013), breakdown substances
into a number of different classes. The classes of different substances are broken down by
substance type and/or category of substance. These include Alcohol, Barbiturates,
Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, Opioids, Hallucinogens, Inhalants, Cannabinoids, Steroids, and
Tobacco (Doweiko, 2019). Some of these substances can also be combined or broken down by
effects, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids being depressants; or cocaine,
amphetamine, and methamphetamine being stimulants. Different substances have different
routes of administration, which will subsequently impact the absorption, potency, and effects of
the substance on the body.
Routes of Absorption
Routes of absorption play a critical role in the intensity of the primary and secondary
effects of substances (Doweiko, 2019). In order for substances to be effective, they must be
absorbed into the body. This process involves the molecules of the substance moving from where
they entered the body, through various cells to the circulatory system (Doweiko, 2019).
Compounds are described either as weakly acidic or weak bases, which impacts the area in
which they are absorbed into the circulatory system. Those that are described as weakly acidic
are absorbed through the stomach lining whereas those that are weak bases are typically
absorbed in the small intestine (Doweiko, 2019). There are a few variables that impact the
absorption process. These factors include, method of administration, rate of blood flow, and the
molecular characteristics of the compound being administered (Doweiko, 2019).
Impacts of Absorption on High
The absorption process is affected by multiple factors, one of which being method of
administration. There are several ways in which substances are administered, which includes
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oral, sublingual, rectal, injection (intramuscular, intravenous, or subcutaneous), transdermal, and
intranasal (inhalation) (Doweiko, 2019). Each method of administration has a different rate of
absorption within the circulatory system, thus impacting the strength and efficacy of the
substance. Since the substances need to enter into the circulatory system to be effective, an oral
route of administration would be less potent than intravenous. The oral route of administration
requires travel through the GI tract for absorption (Doweiko, 2019), while an intravenous route
of administration is directly introduced into the circulatory system.
Spiritual Impact on Understanding and Compassion
Understanding the complexities of substance use and the biological component associated
with addiction provides a new understanding of the disease. Approaching the subject from an
educational perspective rather than an emotional perspective actually, personally, elicits more of
an empathetic response. To understand the chemical and biological needs of the individual
struggling with addiction, puts into perspective the actions taken to fulfill that need. Romans
7:18 states, “For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I
have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out,” (King James Bible, 2017). This
acknowledges the innate to desire to good, while battling another innate desire to feed what is
missing. Often times, the desire to fill the void outweighs the desire to good, because it feels as
though the good can be accomplished when there is no longer a need to fill a hole. While
understanding that God can fulfill all of our needs if we trust in Him, there is also something to
be said for the physiological and chemical evidence of addiction.
Conclusion
Pharmacology is a critical point of education in learning about and approaching addiction
and recovery. While addiction is a disease that is considered emotional and psychological, there
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are several chemical and physiological components of the disease to understand as well.
Understanding the types of substances used, how these substances are absorbed within the body,
and what happens within the body when these substances are absorbed, promote counseling from
an educational perspective, that can also facilitate an increased level of compassion.
Approaching addiction with a combination of addiction and spirituality can promote successful
long-term recovery.
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References
Clinton, D. T., & Scalise, D. E. (2013). The Quick-Reference Guide to Addictions and Recovery
Counseling. Baker Publishing Group.
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781441244604.
Doweiko, H. E. (2019).IConcepts of Chemical Dependency. Cengage.
King James Bible.I(2017). King James Bible
Online.Ihttps://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/I(OriginalIwork published 1769).
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2018, November 9).IPharmacology. Collection
Development Guidelines of the National Library of Medicine [Internet].
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518755/.
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