8.1.3 learning explanation / causes of drug taking

Question 1

Which types of learning are associated with each stage of drug taking for nicotine

Answer 1

first try of the drug: social learning theory = Instant addiction, increase transmission ACh synapses

early experiences of drugtaking: OC dopamine reward system is the positive reinforcement

Addiction to the drug: OC, CC = symptoms wear off quickly

Tolerance: biological = Lost quickly, the first cigarette is the strongest

withdrawal: biological and OC = negative reinforcement, a few hours after last cigarette
treatment: biological and learning-theories

Question 2

Describe how classical conditioning is linked to drugtaking

Answer 2

associated conditioning of the feeling of pleasure to the taking of drugs.

Associations are made quickly.

Associating an environment or trigger to the pleasurable feeling from drugtaking.

With developed addictions the trigger can release antagonists to the drug and this increases the persons tolerance to the drug. Relapse triggers can make an addict to start taking drugs again.

Can be used to treat addicts.

CUE exposure therapy is the repeated exposure to queue without the associated drug results in the conditioned response eventually being lost. Aversion therapy: can be used to diminish and eliminate unwonted behaviours as they associate a cue to an unpleasant experience

Question 3

Describe how operant conditioning is linked to drugtaking

Answer 3

most addictive substances are immediately rewarding. Immediate reward means we learn his behaviour more quickly.

These quickly learned behaviours take the place of more healthy behaviours and their rewards. Rewards from friends in drug taking in social situations.

As addiction progresses and result in loss of friends, other healthy rewards, the addiction to drug reward becomes even more important.

Punishment can also affect addiction if received early enough.

When using treatment rewards for good behaviour could be used but the reward has to be substances.

Punishment for drug taking can also be used as a therapy

Question 4

Describe how social learning theory is linked to drugtaking

Answer 4

A child observing that their parents only relax and socialise when drinking may learn that his behaviour is a good way to cope with stress.

Social situations are often an integral part of drugtaking.

Rewards from peers like social inclusion and acceptance for participating in drugtaking activities.

As drugtaking social situations take over, health social interactions or minimise. Alcohol anonymous provides a healthy supportive social situation instead of a drug taking one

Question 5

Which types of learning are associated with each stage of drug taking for alcohol

Answer 5

first try of drug: social learning: pleasant feelings, enjoyable,

early experiences of drugtaking: operant conditioning and classical conditioning: increased effectiveness of GABA, slowing down of reflexes and dopamine reward system

addiction to the drug: operant and classical conditioning: stress relief, a way to not think of problems, psychologically dependent

tolerance: develops quickly more enzymes produced equals biological

Withdrawal: operant conditioning: negative reinforcement: cold turkey symptoms

Question 6

Which types of learning are associated with each stage of drug taking for heroin

Answer 6

first try of drug: euphoria

early experiences of drugtaking: classical and operant conditioning: dopamine reward system

addiction to the drug: operant and classical conditioning: repeated psychological experience, pain when not using

tolerance: brain produce less of its own dopamine equals tolerance
withdrawal: operant conditioning: continuing to use drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms: within a few hours: very painful equals negative reinforcement