B2: Physiological Addiction

Question 1

What are the three key points of initiation for smoking (biological)?

Answer 1

Genetic predisposition
Dopamine receptors
Heritability of smoking initiation and nicotine dependence

Question 2

How could genetic predisposition play a role in initiating smoking (biological)?

Answer 2

Genes may be a risk factor for nicotine addiction.

Question 3

What is dopamine?

Answer 3

A neurotransmitter that generally has an excitatory effect and is associated with the sensation of pleasure. Unusually high levels - schizophrenia and unusually low levels - Parkinson’s disease.

Question 4

What are dopamine receptors?

Answer 4

Sites on a receiving neuron that respond to dopamine and nicotine molecules.

Question 5

1: Ventral Tegmental Area

Answer 5

Nicotine attaches to dopamine receptors in this area.

Question 6

2: Nucleus accumbens

Answer 6

Stage 1 triggers release of dopamine in this section.

Question 7

3: Prefrontal Cortex

Answer 7

Stage 1 also triggers release of dopamine in this section.

Question 8

Why do people maintain this smoking addiction and relapse?

Answer 8

Positive and negative reinforcement.

Question 9

Maintenance and relapse: role of dopamine

Answer 9

The pleasure from the dopamine release rewards the smoking behaviour so the smoker is compelled to continue.

Question 10

Maintenance and relapse: Nicotine regulation

Answer 10

Nicotine regulation model argues that people continue to regulate nicotine in their bloodstream to avoid withdrawal symptoms. (Negative reinforcement)

Question 11

Maintenance and relapse: tolerance

Answer 11

The person has to smoke more in order to re-stimulate receptors to previous levels and achieve sensations they used to get.