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A Procedure to Study Stress-Induced Relapse of Heroin Seeking after Punishment-Imposed Abstinence
Published on: March 23, 2022
Perceived stress related to methadone withdrawal
Amparo Carreras Alabau1, José A Carrobles Isabel, Carmen Almendros Rodríguez
1Centro de Atención Integral de Drogodependientes (Madrid).
Background:
Stress is a known risk factor in addiction relapse, and prior studies show that relapse induced by stress may be more likely than drug-cue induced relapse. The main goal of our research was to establish the influence of perceived stress in methadone withdrawal outcome and the psychological factors involved.
Method:
A sample of 81 methadone maintenance treatment outpatients was evaluated and then observed during methadone dose reduction.
Results:
a multivariate analysis first showed that successful detoxification was predicted by perceived stress, patient-clinic staff agreement, pharmacotherapy support and social care; and second, perceived stress was predicted by anxiety, depression, self-control, social care and benzodiazepine use.
Conclusions:
These findings suggest that high levels of stress could increase the risk of failure in methadone detoxification, so a clinical intervention on the psychological factors related to stress would be indicated to improve effectiveness of methadone withdrawal treatment.
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Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

