Biological

Question 1

Outline the initiation of smoking via the reward system (biological addiction)

Answer 1

• reward system activated when smoking
• NAChRs triggered
• Nicotine binds to NAChRs
• dopamine released
• memory created, making the individual crave the affect of dopamine

Question 2

Outline the initiation of smoking via genes (biological addiction)

Answer 2

• gene influence the use of tobacco by 39-80%
• Commings et al (1996) = A1 variation in the DRD2 gene. Smokers = 48% likely to have this gene, non-smoker = 25%
• Nobel et al (2000) = the A1 variation of the DRD2 gene is the reward gene - fewer dopamine receptors (lacks pleasurable experiences)

Question 3

Outline the maintenance of smoking (biological addiction)

Answer 3

Chronic exposure leads to a reduction of activity in the reward pathway (down regulation). The more it’s taken, the less the affect on dopamine. Taken to avoid discomfort

Question 4

Outline the relapse of smoking (biological addiction)

Answer 4

Pre-frontal cortex becomes less affected in chronic drug users, especially with decision making and judgement. Xian found genetic factors accounted for 54% of quitting failures

Question 5

Outline initiation of gambling (biological addiction)

Answer 5

• Shah (2005) = gambolling transmitted genetically in males

* Black (2006) = first degree relatives were more likely to inherit the gene

Question 6

Outline the maintenance of gambling (biological addiction)

Answer 6

• Zuckerman (1979) = individual differences, sensation seeking theory
• Bonnaire et al (2007) = chronic gamblers scored higher on sensation seeking questionnaires

Question 7

Outline relapse of gambling (biological addiction)

Answer 7

Rosenthal and Lesieur (1992) found gamblers seek the thrill, boredom avoidance

Question 8

Evaluation points of the biological model? (Biological addiction)

Answer 8

• diathesis stress model
• stigmatisation
• use of family studies
• cause and effect between smoking and PFC

Question 9

What is addiction? (Biological addiction)

Answer 9

A state that may occur when consuming substances or participation in an activity that leads to excessive use disrupting everyday functioning