Biological Explanation Of Substance Abuse Evaluation

Question 1

Evaluate in terms of the existence of withdrawal symptoms

Answer 1

The existence of withdrawal symptoms in opioid users supports the explanation as it shows that the brain does become reliant on drugs to function normally.

Question 2

Evaluate in terms of a positive correlation

Answer 2

There is a positive correlation between heavy drug use and mental illness suggesting that the drugs cause biochemical changes in the brain.

Question 3

Evaluate in terms of reductionism

Answer 3

It is reductionist as it avoids other factors such as socials and cultural reasons for why people misuse substances. However, by focuses on one aspect, researchers can fine treatments such as methadone maintenance

Question 4

Evaluate in terms of psychological dependence

Answer 4

Does not explain psychological dependence very well. Learning approach does through the use of negative reinforcement and taking drugs to avoid the negative withdrawal psychological side effects such as depression.

Question 5

Evaluate in terms of supporting evidence

Answer 5

Noble and Blum found that 52% of cocaine addicts have the defective dopamine D2 receptor, compared to only 21% on non addicts. Therefore supporting the faulty d2 receptor explanation.