Addiction Flashcards
What is Physical Dependence in addiction?
Body requires substance to function normally (withdrawal symptoms).
What is Psychological Dependence?
Cravings & compulsion to use despite negative effects.
What is Tolerance in the context of addiction?
Need more of a substance for the same effect.
What is Withdrawal Syndrome?
Symptoms when stopping use (e.g., anxiety, nausea).
What does addiction help distinguish from casual use?
Helps distinguish casual use from addiction.
Do all addictions involve physical dependence?
Some addictions (e.g., gambling) don’t have physical dependence.
What is Genetic Vulnerability in addiction?
Inherited predisposition – Some people more likely to develop addiction.
What is the Dopamine Receptor Gene (DRD2)?
Linked to low dopamine levels → More likely to seek pleasure from substances.
What supports the Genetic Vulnerability theory?
Twin & adoption studies support (higher concordance in MZ twins).
What does the Diathesis-Stress Model suggest?
Environment also plays a role.
What is the Self-medication Hypothesis?
People use substances to cope with stress.
What did Epstein et al. find regarding childhood abuse?
Childhood abuse linked to later addiction.
What does the Self-medication Hypothesis explain?
Explains why some people relapse under stress.
Do all stressed people develop addiction?
Not all stressed people develop addiction – other factors involved.
What is Eysenck’s Theory regarding addiction?
High Neuroticism (N): More anxiety → Higher risk. High Psychoticism (P): Impulsivity → Risk-taking behaviour.
What does research link to addiction?
Some research links impulsivity to addiction.
What is the correlation between personality and addiction?
Correlation ≠ causation – Personality could be a result of addiction.
How does parental influence affect addiction risk?
Permissive parenting → Higher addiction risk.
What does Social Learning Theory suggest about peers?
Imitation of friends’ behaviour.
What evidence supports peer pressure in adolescents?
Strong evidence for peer pressure in adolescents.
What does the Family & Peer Influence theory ignore?
Ignores biological factors.
What is the Dopamine Reward System in nicotine addiction?
Nicotine stimulates dopamine release → Pleasure.
What is the Desensitisation Hypothesis?
Nicotine blocks acetylcholine receptors → Brain adapts by increasing receptor sensitivity → Tolerance develops.
What supports the Brain Neurochemistry Model?
Supported by brain scan studies (nicotine increases dopamine).
What is a critique of the Brain Neurochemistry Model?
Reductionist – ignores psychological factors (e.g., stress).
What is Positive Reinforcement in Operant Conditioning?
Nicotine = dopamine release = pleasure.
What is Negative Reinforcement in nicotine addiction?
Smoking removes withdrawal symptoms.
What role do cues play in nicotine addiction?
Cues (e.g., coffee, social settings) become conditioned stimuli for craving.
What does the Learning Theory explain about quitting?
Explains why people struggle to quit (cue-induced cravings).
What is a limitation of the Learning Theory?
Fails to explain individual differences (some quit easily).
What is Variable Ratio Reinforcement in gambling?
Unpredictable rewards → Most addictive schedule.
What are Near Misses in gambling?
Losing but feeling close to winning = Encourages continued play.
What does the Learning Theory explain about gambling persistence?
Explains persistence despite losses.
What is a limitation of the Learning Theory in gambling?
Doesn’t explain individual vulnerability.
What did Griffiths (1994) find about regular gamblers?
Regular gamblers had cognitive distortions (e.g., ‘I’m due a win’).
What is the Illusion of Control in gambling?
Belief they can influence chance outcomes.
What is the Gambler’s Fallacy?
Thinking past losses mean a future win is more likely.
What does the cognitive biases theory explain about gambling?
Explains why gambling continues despite losses.
What is a limitation of the cognitive biases theory?
Correlation ≠ causation – cognitive distortions may be a result, not a cause.
What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)?
Patches, gum → Reduces cravings by maintaining nicotine levels.
What is Bupropion (Zyban)?
Blocks nicotine’s effects, reduces withdrawal.
What does Naltrexone do for gambling addiction?
Blocks opioid receptors → Reduces reward feeling.
What does research say about the effectiveness of drug treatments?
Effective (Stead et al. – NRT users 70% more likely to quit).
What is a limitation of drug treatments for addiction?
Doesn’t address psychological factors (stress, habits).
What is Aversion Therapy?
Classical Conditioning: Pairing addictive behaviour with unpleasant stimulus.
What is an example of Aversion Therapy?
E.g., Antabuse (alcohol addiction) → Causes nausea when drinking.
What is a success rate for Aversion Therapy?
Some success (Howard – 50% abstinence in Antabuse users).
What is a limitation of Aversion Therapy?
High dropout rates (unpleasant side effects).
What does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Addiction do?
Challenges irrational beliefs about addiction.
What are the stages of CBT for addiction?
Identify triggers → Develop coping strategies → Prevent relapse.
What is the long-term effectiveness of CBT?
Long-term effectiveness (Petry et al. – CBT more effective than placebo).
What is a limitation of CBT?
Requires motivation – Some addicts struggle with commitment.
What is Prochaska’s Six-Stage Model of Behaviour Change?
Precontemplation: No intention to change. Contemplation: Aware of problem, but no action yet. Preparation: Decided to change soon. Action: Actively quitting/reducing use. Maintenance: Preventing relapse. Relapse: Fall back into addiction (can restart cycle).
What does Prochaska’s model recognise about relapse?
Recognises relapse as part of recovery.
What is a limitation of Prochaska’s model?
Not all progress in clear stages – Model is flexible.
