Addiction Flashcards
Describe cue reactivity as an explanation for nicotine addiction (6 marks) para 1
Cue reactivity refers to the way environmental cues associated with smoking trigger cravings and addictive behaviors in individuals. This explanation is rooted in classical conditioning, where a smoker repeatedly associates specific stimuli (e.g., the smell of cigarettes, lighters, or social situations) with the pleasurable effects of nicotine. Over time, these cues become conditioned stimuli, capable of eliciting conditioned responses such as cravings and physiological arousal, even in the absence of nicotine.
Describe cue reactivity as an explanation for nicotine addiction (6 marks) para 2
For example, a smoker may feel an intense urge to smoke upon seeing a pack of cigarettes or being in a place where they frequently smoked. These conditioned cues activate the reward system in the brain, particularly the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, reinforcing the addiction. Cue reactivity explains why smokers often relapse when exposed to such triggers, even after a period of abstinence.
Evaluate cue reactivity as an explanation for nicotine addiction (6 marks) para 1
Cue reactivity has strong empirical support, enhancing its validity. For example, Carter and Tiffany (1999) conducted a meta-analysis and found that exposure to smoking-related cues elicited both subjective cravings and physiological responses, such as increased heart rate, in addicted individuals. This highlights how cues play a critical role in nicotine addiction.
Evaluate cue reactivity as an explanation for nicotine addiction (6 marks) para 1 counter
However, cue reactivity cannot fully explain individual differences in addiction. Not everyone exposed to smoking-related cues experiences the same level of cravings, suggesting that other factors, such as genetic predisposition or personality traits, may also influence nicotine addiction.
Evaluate cue reactivity as an explanation for nicotine addiction (6 marks) para 2
A strength of the explanation is its practical application. Understanding cue reactivity has led to effective treatments like cue-exposure therapy, where individuals are repeatedly exposed to smoking-related cues without nicotine, helping to extinguish the conditioned response. However, these therapies may not always be successful due to the persistence of deeply ingrained neural associations.
Evaluate cue reactivity as an explanation for nicotine addiction (6 marks) para 2 counter
Additionally, the explanation may oversimplify addiction by focusing primarily on environmental triggers. It does not account for biological factors, such as genetic vulnerabilities or the direct effects of nicotine on brain chemistry, which also play a significant role in maintaining addiction.
Outline the Theory of Planned Behaviour (4 marks)
The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), proposed by Ajzen (1991), explains how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence an individual’s intentions and actions. Attitudes refer to the individual’s evaluation of a behavior, such as whether smoking is perceived as positive or negative. Subjective norms are the social pressures or beliefs about how others view the behavior. Perceived behavioral control refers to the individual’s belief in their ability to perform the behavior, considering internal and external barriers. According to TPB, stronger positive attitudes, supportive subjective norms, and higher perceived control increase the likelihood of forming the intention to engage in or avoid a behavior, such as quitting smoking.
Briefly evaluate the Theory of Planned Behaviour (4 marks)
The TPB is supported by evidence, such as research showing that intentions often predict behavior, particularly when perceived control is high. For instance, McEachan et al. (2011) conducted a meta-analysis and found a significant relationship between intentions and health behaviors. However, TPB has been criticized for over-relying on self-reported data, which is prone to social desirability bias. Additionally, it underestimates the role of emotions and impulsivity in behaviors like addiction, limiting its predictive validity. Finally, while intentions are important, they don’t always lead to behavior due to external barriers or habitual influences.
Describe how brain neurochemistry is involved in nicotine addiction (6 marks) para 1
Nicotine addiction is heavily influenced by neurochemical processes in the brain, particularly involving the neurotransmitter dopamine. When nicotine is inhaled, it rapidly enters the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier. In the brain, nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), especially in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). This binding stimulates the release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, a key part of the brain’s mesolimbic reward pathway. Dopamine creates feelings of pleasure, euphoria, and reinforcement, encouraging the smoker to repeat the behavior.
Over time, the brain adapts to the frequent stimulation caused by nicotine. Chronic nicotine use leads to neuroadaptation, where the number or sensitivity of dopamine receptors decreases. This results in tolerance, meaning that the smoker requires more nicotine to achieve the same pleasurable effects. When nicotine levels drop, withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, anxiety, and intense cravings occur, driving the individual to smoke again to alleviate these negative feelings.
Describe how brain neurochemistry is involved in nicotine addiction (6 marks) para
Other neurotransmitters are also involved in nicotine addiction. For example, nicotine stimulates the release of glutamate, which enhances learning and memory of smoking-related cues, further reinforcing the habit. Simultaneously, nicotine inhibits the release of GABA, a neurotransmitter that normally reduces dopamine activity. This inhibition prolongs the rewarding effects of dopamine, contributing to the addictive process.
Research has highlighted the role of genetic factors in nicotine addiction as well. Some individuals have variations in the genes coding for nicotinic receptors or dopamine regulation, making them more susceptible to addiction.
Outline and evaluate personality as a risk factor in the development of addiction (8 marks)
Outline:
Personality traits such as impulsivity and neuroticism are significant risk factors in the development of addiction. Impulsivity involves a tendency to act without considering consequences, making individuals more likely to engage in risky behaviors like drug use. Similarly, neuroticism, characterized by high levels of anxiety and emotional instability, may lead individuals to use substances as a coping mechanism. Eysenck’s theory of personality suggests that individuals high in psychoticism (a trait linked to sensation-seeking and aggression) are more prone to addiction because they seek novel and stimulating experiences, which addictive substances can provide.
Outline and evaluate personality as a risk factor in the development of addiction (8 marks)
Evaluation: Strength
One strength of this explanation is the support from longitudinal studies. For example, Terracciano et al. (2008) found that high levels of impulsivity and neuroticism were predictive of smoking initiation and continuation, suggesting a strong link between personality and addiction. Additionally, this approach has practical applications, as identifying individuals with at-risk personality traits can inform targeted prevention strategies.
Outline and evaluate personality as a risk factor in the development of addiction (8 marks)
Evaluation: Limitation
However, a limitation is that personality traits may not be the direct cause of addiction but rather a contributing factor alongside environmental and genetic influences. The approach is reductionist as it overlooks complex interactions, such as social and familial contexts, which also play a significant role in addiction. Furthermore, not all individuals with high impulsivity or neuroticism develop addictions, indicating that personality alone cannot fully explain addictive behaviors.
