Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

UNI SECOND YEAR COURES > HLTH 237 Chp. 5-7 > Flashcards

HLTH 237 Chp. 5-7 Flashcards

1
Q

What are the key biological theories of addiction?

A
  1. Disease/Medical Model
  2. Neurobiology
  3. Genetic Theory
  4. Allergy Theory
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How does the disease/medical model explain addiction?

A
  • Addiction is a chronic, fatal disease process involving changes in brain function.
  • Substance use is involuntary and some individuals are biologically susceptible.
  • Requires medical care and often follows a U-shaped disease progression with rehabilitation and abstinence as recovery.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the U-shaped disease progression described in the disease model?

A
  • Starts with integrated or social use.
  • Progresses to preoccupation, blackouts, and loss of control.
  • Ends with chronic obsession, hitting rock bottom, and a choice between recovery or death.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the main criticisms of the disease model of addiction?

A
  • Limited empirical support for the idea of addiction as a disease.
  • Fails to fully explain substance use as a socially constructed phenomenon.
  • The binary view (diseased/not diseased) oversimplifies addiction.
  • Fails to address stigma and shame effectively.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the reasons for the popularity of the disease model?

A
  • First model to challenge the moral model.
  • Provides a simple explanation for a complex issue.
  • Economic and social benefits for the medical community.
  • Forms the foundation of programs like Alcoholics Anonymous.
  • Avoids addressing broader social reforms.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What does the neurobiological theory suggest about addiction?

A
  • Repeated drug exposure alters brain structures responsible for rewards, motivation, and learning.
  • Changes in intracellular signaling, synaptic plasticity, and the dopamine system make stopping drug use difficult.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What role does dopamine play in addiction?

A

Dopamine is critical in directing and rewarding goal-related behavior. Drugs increase dopamine activity, reinforcing substance use and creating dependence.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the criticisms of neurobiological theories?

A
  • Reduces addiction to a purely biological process, ignoring psychological and social factors.
  • Similar brain adaptations occur with other environmental stimuli, not just drugs.
  • It’s essentially a rebranding of the disease model.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What does the genetic theory propose about addiction?

A
  • Addiction is partially inherited, with genes influencing the metabolism and processing of substances like alcohol.
  • Evidence from adoption and twin studies shows familial patterns of addiction.
  • Genetic influence ranges from 30–70% depending on substance, gender, and culture
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What evidence supports the genetic theory of addiction?

A
  • Adopted children are more likely to develop dependence if their biological relatives were dependent.
  • Twin studies show higher concordance rates for addiction among identical twins.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the limitations of genetic theories of addiction?

A
  • No “addiction gene” has been discovered.
  • Genetics are not fully deterministic and do not explain all cases.
  • Ignores psychological, social, and environmental influences.
  • Offers no direct treatment options based solely on genetics.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What does the allergy theory suggest about addiction?

A
  • Addiction arises from allergic reactions to substances, leading to loss of control.
  • It was influential in early Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) literature.
  • However, no specific mechanisms or pathways have been identified, and the theory lacks scientific evidence.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How do biological theories fit within the broader framework of addiction?

A

Biological factors provide predispositions to addiction but must be understood in conjunction with psychological and sociological explanations.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the role of neuroplasticity in addiction?

A

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt to repeated drug use, altering both structure and function, which reinforces addictive behaviors and makes cessation difficult.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How does the biopsychosocial model integrate biological theories?

A

Biological factors (e.g., genetics, neurobiology) are combined with psychological (e.g., trauma, coping mechanisms) and social (e.g., environment, relationships) factors to create a comprehensive understanding of addiction.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the key psychological theories of addiction?

A
  • Learning Theory
  • Personality Theory
  • Psychodynamic Theory
  • Humanistic Theory
  • Attachment Theory
  • Rational Theory
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What does personality theory suggest about addiction?

A
  • Addiction is linked to traits like impulsivity, reward-seeking, emotional instability, and low frustration tolerance.
  • There is no definitive “addictive personality,” but certain traits (e.g., narcissism, nonconformity) may increase susceptibility.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How does learning theory explain addiction?

A
  • Addiction is driven by operant conditioning.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Reward increases likelihood of drug use.
  • Negative Reinforcement: Withdrawal symptoms decrease with continued use.
  • Over time, positive reinforcement diminishes due to habituation and extinction.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are the main criticisms of personality theory in addiction?

A
  • nconsistent patterns linking personality traits to addiction.
  • Unclear whether traits cause addiction or result from it.
  • Personality factors explain only a small proportion of addiction cases.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

How does humanistic theory explain addiction?

A
  • Addiction arises from unmet needs in Maslow’s hierarchy (e.g., safety, belonging, self-esteem).
  • Drug use becomes a response to frustration, boredom, or an inability to reach potential.
  • Dependency is viewed as a rational response to unresolved needs.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What does attachment theory suggest about addiction?

A
  • Addiction stems from insecure attachments in childhood, such as neglect or inconsistent caregiving.
  • Substance use replaces interpersonal relationships and helps regulate emotions in individuals with attachment disorders.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the levels in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

A
  • Physiological: Basic survival needs like food and water.
  • Safety: Health, financial security, and order.
  • Belongingness: Social connections and love.
  • Self-Esteem: Confidence and respect from others.
  • Self-Actualization: Realizing one’s potential.
  • Transcendence: Helping others reach their potential.
19
Q

What are the three main types of childhood attachment?

A
  1. Secure Attachment: Caregiver provides comfort and reliability, leading to healthy emotional regulation.
  2. Ambivalent-Insecure Attachment: Caregiver is inconsistent, leading to extreme distress when they leave.
  3. Avoidant-Insecure Attachment: Result of neglect or rejection, leading to avoidance of caregivers.
19
Q

What is disorganized attachment, and how does it relate to addiction?

A
  • Results from inconsistent or unpredictable caregiving.
  • Leads to confusion and emotional dysregulation in children, increasing vulnerability to addiction later in life.
20
Q

What role does operant conditioning play in addiction?

A
  • Drug use is reinforced by rewards (positive reinforcement).
  • Withdrawal symptoms are avoided by continued use (negative reinforcement).
20
Q

How does withdrawal fit into learning theory?

A

Withdrawal symptoms act as a form of negative reinforcement, motivating continued substance use to avoid discomfort.

21
Q

How do positive and negative reinforcement differ in learning theory?

A
  • Positive Reinforcement: A rewarding stimulus increases the likelihood of behavior (e.g., euphoria from drug use).
  • Negative Reinforcement: Removing an unpleasant stimulus increases behavior (e.g., alleviating withdrawal symptoms).
21
Q

How does rational theory explain substance use?

A
  • Rational individuals strive for health and longevity.
  • When they understand the long-term harm of substances, they reduce use.
  • However, this theory does not fully account for addiction due to the influence of other psychological and social factors.
22
Q

What are habituation and extinction in learning theory?

A
  • Habituation: Reduced response to a drug with repeated use.
  • Extinction: Gradual loss of reinforcement for drug use over time.
23
Q

What unmet needs contribute to addiction in humanistic theory?

A

Boredom, frustration, lack of belonging, and failure to achieve self-esteem or self-actualization lead to substance use as a coping mechanism.

24
Q

How does attachment theory link addiction to emotional regulation?

A

Individuals with insecure or disorganized attachments struggle to regulate emotions and use substances as a substitute for healthy relationships.

25
Q

What are the main criticisms of rational theory?

A
  • It assumes people will act rationally when given information about substance harms.
  • It fails to account for emotional, social, and environmental influences on addiction.
26
Q

How do psychological theories fit into the biopsychosocial model?

A

Psychological theories highlight internal processes like learning, personality, and attachment, which interact with biological and social factors to influence addiction.

27
Q

What is the central focus of sociological theories of addiction?

A

Sociological theories emphasize the role of culture, social environment, and societal structures in influencing substance use, misuse, and dependence.

27
Q

What is cultural theory, and how does it explain drug use?

A

Culture consists of shared thoughts, beliefs, and expectations within a social group.
Cultural norms influence attitudes toward drug use, misuse, and acceptable behaviors.
Drug use patterns include healing, customary regular use, occasional use, and excessive use.

27
Q

How do subcultural theories explain substance use?

A
  • Subcultures, such as youth groups or university students, create environments where drug use norms are shaped.
  • Feelings of alienation or lack of belonging can push individuals toward substance use within specific subcultures.
28
Q

What are the four cultural patterns of drug use, and provide an example for each?

A
  • Abstinent: Drug use is prohibited (e.g., Middle Eastern nations).
  • Ambivalent: Mixed attitudes based on context (e.g., Morocco).
  • Permissive: Use is acceptable but public impairment is discouraged (e.g., Canada).
  • Ultra-Permissive: Excessive use occurs, often during rapid social change (e.g., Russia).
    *
29
Q

What cultural factors reduce alcohol-related problems?

A
  • Clear and uniform rules governing alcohol use.
  • Social sanctions against excessive use.
  • Early exposure to moderate, responsible use.
  • Uniform discouragement of drunkenness.
30
Q

What role does deviant behavior play in substance use?

A
  • Deviance involves violating societal norms.
  • What is considered deviant varies by context (e.g., cannabis is deviant in Canada but normal in Jamaica).
  • Media and societal labeling can reinforce negative behaviors, pushing individuals toward continued drug use.
31
Q

How does media influence perceptions of deviant drug use?

A

Media sensationalizes substances like crack cocaine or methamphetamine, creating stigmas and labels that cast users as societal outcasts.

31
Q

What does Marxist theory suggest about substance dependence?

A
  • Substance dependence results from socioeconomic struggles and class oppression.
  • Wealthy groups maintain power by creating laws that perpetuate inequality and restrict opportunities for marginalized groups.
  • Addiction is linked to poverty, social exclusion, and lack of meaningful work.
31
Q

How does availability-control theory explain drug use?

A
  • Substance use is influenced by availability and formal controls, such as taxation, advertising restrictions, and limiting sales.
  • Greater availability leads to higher use, while higher prices and strict regulations discourage use.
32
Q

How does environmental stress contribute to addiction?

A
  • Stressful environments (e.g., low SES, war zones) increase substance dependence.
  • Examples: U.S. soldiers in Vietnam and the “Rat Park” experiment, which showed that stress and isolation lead to higher drug use.
32
Q

Why do sociological theories lack specificity about individual substances?

A

Sociological theories focus on broader patterns of use, not the unique properties of specific substances, and how societal factors influence behaviors differently over time and context.

33
Q

How do sociological explanations of drug use vary?

A
  • They depend on the person, time, and situation.
  • Examples: Alcohol is legal in Canada but illegal in some Middle Eastern countries; cannabis is normalized in Jamaica but stigmatized in others.
34
Q

What are the four patterns of drinking identified in cultural theory, and how do they differ?

A
  • Healing: Used for medicinal purposes.
  • Customary: Regular but moderate use.
  • Intermittent:Used for special occasions.
  • Excessive: Heavy, problematic use often tied to cultural stress.
34
Q

What is the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and substance u

A

Lower SES is associated with higher stress levels and limited access to coping resources, leading to increased substance misuse and dependence.

35
Q

How does alienation contribute to drug use in subcultures?

A

Alienated individuals who feel disconnected from society may find a sense of belonging in subcultures where drug use is normalized or celebrated.

35
Q

Why is a holistic approach important in sociological theories of addiction?

A

Sociological theories emphasize that addiction arises from a combination of cultural, environmental, and societal factors, requiring integrated solutions.

36
Q

How does class struggle influence addiction in Marxist theory?

A

Wealthy elites maintain control by creating systems that marginalize poorer groups, leading to substance dependence as a coping mechanism for economic and social inequality.

37
Q

What does the “Rat Park” experiment reveal about addiction?

A

Addiction rates decrease in enriched, low-stress environments with social connections, highlighting the role of environment in substance use.

38
Q

How does social capital relate to deviant behavior and substance use?

A

Communities with lower social capital—less trust, cohesion, and shared resources—tend to have higher rates of substance misuse and deviant behavior.

39
Q

What is the key takeaway of sociological theories regarding substance misuse?

A

Addiction is not just an individual issue but a societal one, influenced by culture, social norms, environment, and systemic inequalities.

UNI SECOND YEAR COURES (6 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions