ADDICTION: MOM - Bio

Question 1

Addiction MOM Bio - Drug

Answer 1

Varenicline

Question 2

Varenicline - How it works

Answer 2

Binds to nicotine receptors; tricking the brain into believing it has received nicotine which leads to a small release of dopamine - alleviating withdrawal and craving symptoms
- Blocks the ability of nicotine to access dopamine receptors and activate release - reduces the rewarding effects of nicotine
- E.g. if someone smokes a cigarette they will get less pleasure from it which may aid the quitting process

Question 3

Varenicline Description

Answer 3

Drug prescribed to smoking addicts attempting to quit; affects the dopamine release in the brain

Question 4

Varenicline :)

Answer 4

🙂 - Due to the success of the drug in helping addiction, it provides support that dopamine has a role to play in addiction

😟 - However, Varenicline is most effective when used alongside other methods; suggesting that dopamine cannot act as a sole explanation for addiction