B2:learning Aproach To Alcohol

Question 1

(Initiation) What is positive reinforcement in the initiation of alcohol use?

Answer 1

Alcohol activates the brain’s dopamine reward system, causing feelings of pleasure and relaxation.

Question 2

(Initiation) How does the dopamine system create positive reinforcement?

Answer 2

1. Alcohol consumption
   ↓
   
   2. Alcohol molecules attach to dopamine receptors on neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA)
      ↓
   3. Dopamine is released in the nucleus accumbens (NA) and frontal areas of the brain
      ↓
   4. Feelings of pleasure and relaxation (Positive reinforcement)

Question 3

(Initiation) How do social environments reinforce drinking behavior?

Answer 3

Praise for drinking (e.g., participating in drinking games) and the rewarding social atmosphere positively reinforce alcohol use.

Question 4

(Initiation) What is vicarious reinforcement in the context of alcohol initiation?

Answer 4

Observing others enjoying alcohol (e.g., becoming confident and sociable) encourages a young person to believe alcohol brings positive consequences, even before their first drink.

Question 5

(Initiation) What role does negative reinforcement play in alcohol initiation?

Answer 5

-People may start drinking to escape stress, often learning this behavior from media portrayals where characters drink to unwind or avoid pain.

Question 6

.( Maintenance) How is drinking behavior maintained through negative reinforcement?

Answer 6

Alcohol use continues to avoid withdrawal symptoms like sweating, trembling, cravings, anxiety, and irritability.

Question 7

( Relapse ) How does negative reinforcement lead to relapse?

Answer 7

‘The unpleasant withdrawal symptoms during abstinence may lead to drinking again to reduce discomfo

Question 8

(Relapse) What happens when withdrawal symptoms no longer occur?

Answer 8

Even after withdrawal, individuals may relapse by using alcohol as an escape from reality, especially if stress started their drinking behavior.