Case 1.1-3

Words: 921
Pages: 4

Psychopharmacology: Case Study Assignment


Name: Benjamin Zimmerman
Student Number: 500497172
Course Code: PSY214
Professor: Todd Girard
Due Date: November 30, 2015

Case 1: “The Brothers Three”

1‐1. What drug (or at least type) were the brothers likely using? Explain. (3 pts) 

The drug that the brothers were using was type of opioid. I believe that the category of opioid that they were using was heroin. I believe this as it was mentioned in the case study that the drug administration was via injection, which is a primary way in the administration of heroin. Louie experienced depressed respiration, causing his unconsciousness, which is a produced effect from using this drug.
1‐2. What kind of drug would have relieved such serious symptoms in Louie so quickly? Explain. (3 
pts) 

Narcan would have relieved the serious symptoms experienced by Louie. Narcan is an opioid receptor antagonist medication that can eliminate signs of opioid intoxication to reverse the effects of the opioid overdose experienced. Narcan works by binding to opioid receptors and thus preventing heroin from activating these receptors further. This allows the overdosed individual to being to breathe more normally and awaken from their
…show more content…
Behavioural tolerance is when a person learns to decrease the effect of a drug on their own behaviour through classical or operant conditioning. Behavioural tolerance is context specific meaning that tolerance occurs only in the same environment in which the drug is administered but also the factor or reduced tolerance in a unique or new environment. Siegel (1985) mentions that environmental induced tolerance is a possible explanation of what Daisy is remembering. Using a drug in a different/new environment and or the drug routine is changed; this can explain the increased responses to the same dose of the drugs that Louie and his brothers use (Meyer & Quenzer, 2013, pg