Biological Approach: Smoking Flashcards
What does the biological approach suggest about smoking?
The biological approach explains physiological addictions related to smoking.
What is genetic predisposition in the context of smoking?
Genetic predisposition suggests that inherited genes may increase the likelihood of developing smoking habits, but it is not guaranteed.
What do twin studies indicate about the risk of smoking?
Twin studies suggest that genetic influences contribute roughly 53% to the risk of smoking (Car Melli et.al 1992).
How do dopamine receptors relate to smoking?
Dopamine receptors in the ventral tegumental area bind to nicotine molecules quickly after inhalation, triggering dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens.
Why is smoking considered rewarding?
Smoking is rewarding because of the dopamine release associated with it.
What happens during the maintenance phase of smoking?
Nicotine continues to attach to dopamine receptors, releasing more dopamine and producing increased pleasure and reward, which positively reinforces smoking behavior.
What is tolerance in the context of smoking?
Tolerance occurs when stimulation of dopamine receptors reduces sensitivity, requiring more nicotine to achieve prior levels of stimulation.
What types of tolerance are included in smoking?
Tolerance includes both mood effects (e.g., relaxation) and negative effects (e.g., fewer headaches).
What are common nicotine withdrawal symptoms?
Cigarette cravings, fatigue, increased appetite, insomnia, headaches.
What is the main reason people continue to smoke?
Avoiding withdrawal symptoms.
How do nicotine replacements help people?
They can help reduce the biologically based addiction or at least reduce harmful effects of smoking.
What is harmful in cigarettes?
It’s not nicotine that’s harmful; it’s all the other stuff in cigarettes like tar.
What role does dopamine play in Emmett’s addiction?
Dopamine is responsible for the rush and buzz that smoking cigarettes provides, which are the rewards from its release.
Why is Emmett likely to smoke?
It is likely because his whole family smokes.
What might cause Emmett to relapse?
Emmett might relapse due to withdrawal symptoms, as avoiding withdrawal is a main reason for continuing to smoke.
What is the effect of tolerance on Emmett’s smoking?
Tolerance reduces sensitivity to dopamine receptors, meaning Emmett will need to smoke more to achieve prior stimulation levels.
What is one strength of the evaluation regarding smoking cessation?
One strength is the practical benefits in helping people to stop smoking.
What is another strength of the biological approach’s explanation of smoking addiction?
One strength is evidence supporting the biological approach’s explanation of smoking addiction.
What is a weakness of the evaluation related to smoking dependence?
One weakness is evidence that not everyone who starts to smoke becomes dependent on nicotine.
