Biological smoking

Question 1

How does the bio suggest that smoking is initiated?

Answer 1

Genetics-
Lerman found reason people begin smoking can be due to genetics
Suggested that people with particular ‘good gene’ are less likely to take up smoking. SLC6A39 works on the dopamine systemand people who do NOT have the gene are more likely to smoke

Dopamine-
smoking can have effect on dop syst in the brain
stimulates the dop in MESOLIMBIC brain area leading to feelings of pleasure
those who take up smoking develop a more sensitive meslolimic pathway through genes

Question 2

How does the bio suggest that smoking is maintained?

Answer 2

Genetics-
people without SLC6A39 are more likely to remain as smokers. Lack of gene influences smokinng. Gene plays a role on the dopamine system

Dopamine-
NT associated with pleasure and people without SLC6A39 have more sensitive dopamine systems in the mesolimbic area
cigerettes maintain dopamine levels

Physical dependancy- (nicotine regulation model)
Maintenance focused on nicotine, evidence that it changes how the brain functions
Schacter asserts that the pysical dependance theory is relevant to smokers
continue to smoke to maintain nicotine at a high enough level to avoid withdrawals

Question 3

Why does the bio suggest smokEers relapse?

Answer 3

Genetics-
people with SLC6A39 are less likely to relapse

Tolerance-
high phys dependence on nicotine can mean high tolerance can result in severe withdrawals eg
nausea
anxiety
irritability
depression
unpleasant feelings can be avoided if a person relapses

Question 4

Eval-

Answer 4

Supporting research
Too simp
Prac apps

Question 5

What supporting research?

Answer 5

Pergardia found that a hheritability factor in the exp of nicotine withdrawal symptoms

Calvert- smokers shown cig packets experienced strong addiction in aarea of brain called venral striatum and nucleus accumbens