Addiction - explanations for nicotine addiction Flashcards
What are the 2 main explanations for nicotine addiction
Brain neurochemistry, learning theory
What are the 2 parts of brain neurochemistry as an explanation for nicotine addiction
Smoking initiation - genes and dopamine function
Smoking maintenance - increased dopamine activity
What falls under the smoking initiation part of brain neurochemistry
Faulty A1DRD2 gene codes for insufficient dopamine meaning they cannot produce pleasure naturally - therefore smoking
What falls under the smoking maintenance part of brain neurochemistry
Nicotine stimulates production and activity of dopamine leading to repetition
What is the role of dopamine in nicotine addiction
Nicotine - acetylcholine receptors - dopamine in VTA (reward) - nucleus accumbens (dopamine) - reward centre - more dopamine, reduced GABA
What happens during down regulation
Reward system becomes less sensitive as AC receptors become inactive so tolerance builds
What happens during up regulation
Smokers go without nicotine for a while so it leaves the body, allowing more nicotine receptors to become functional again
What are the positive evaluations of brain neurochemistry
Prac aps - therapy
Scientific - objectively measured
What are the negative evaluations of brain neurochemistry
Beta bias - no emphasis on gender difference
Nature vs nurture - no nurture
What is the learning theory as an explanation for nicotine addiction
Emphasises how addictions have been learnt through the environment
What are the 3 key ways of learning according to learning theory (CIA)
Consequences (operant)
Imitation (SLT)
Association (classical)
What are the 3 stages of the learning theory
Smoking initiation (SLT), maintenance (peer acceptance), relapse (cue reactivity)
How does smoking initiation occur as part of the learning theory
Vicarious reinforcement from equal and higher status role models leaves us chasing the negative reinforcement of smoking
How does smoking maintenance occur as part of the learning theory
Skinner - immediate reinforcers take precedence to long term consequences such as peer acceptance
How does relapse (cue reactivity) occur as part of the learning theory
Nicotine prevents withdrawals, leading to negative reinforcement and relapse
What research is there to support cue reactivity of the learning theory
Carter and Tiffany - smoking maintained through triggers in environment learnt through associating with smoking, and the cues elicit a conditioned response even in the absence of smoking
What are positive evaluations of the learning approach
Prac aps - cue exposure therapy (control reaction to cue)
Nature vs nurture - both taken into account
Scientific - observable behaviour
What are negative evaluations of the learning approach
Individual difference - many who try do not become addicted
Environmental determinism - does not consider personal autonomy
