Explanations For Nicotine Addiction - Brain Neurochemistry Including The Role Of Dopamine Flashcards
What are the three AO3 PEELS to evaluate brain neurochemistry explanation of nicotine addiction?
RTS by Mc Evoy - sz smoking bhv
Weakness - biological reductionism
Strength - prac apps - NRT
P
(RTS by McEvoy)
RTS brain neurochemistry and role of dopamine was conducted by McEvoy
E
- he studied smoking bhv in ppl with sz who were taking a drug that is a dopamine antagonist
- meaning it blocks the dopamine receptors, lowering the level of dop activity in the brain
E
he found that ppl who were taking the drug showed a significant inc in smoking
L
- therefore supporting the role of dopamine as an exp of nicotine add
- as patients smoked more to inc level of dop in brain to experience pleasure from nic
P
(bio reductionism)
Moreover, brain neurochemistry as an exp for nic add can be criticised for biological reductionism
E
this is bc it reduces the complex human bhv of nic add down to dop levels within brain
E
- this neglects a holistic approach which takes into account how a persons cultural and social context would inf and exp an indv nic add
- e.g. adolescents may develop a nic add as a result from wanting to fit in w a peer group, rather than bc of pleasure
L
therefore - lacks val as it doesnt allow us to und bhv in context
P
(prac apps - NRT)
brain neurochemistry exp of nic add has prac apps
E
this is bc the principles that nic add is caused by dopamine and inc number of nic receptors has led to the treatment of NRT
E
- this provides indv with nic in a less harmful form e.g. patches and reduces dosage overtime
- which reduces tolerance and dependence as the indv nic receptors return to normal levels
L
therefore the brains neurochemistry as an exp of nic add i.a.p.o.a.p when helping to treat nic add in real world
