Linking Explanations To Methods Of Modifying Addictive Behavioir

Question 1

Biological - dopamine

Answer 1

• increased levels of dopamine within the reward pathway
• this would work by genetically modifying the reward pathway to deter from addiction
  -substitution methods
  -agonist substitution- methadone as it mimics effects of heroin as it binds to D2 receptors but without the side effects - methodone is decreased over time as abstinence increases

Question 2

Individual differences - cognitive biases

Answer 2

• the individuals cognitive biases that alter the way someone’s views addiction
• this changes the thought process of an addict to view the behaviour as irrational through CBT
• in CBT clients are taught to see that thoughts had while gambling are irrational (Griffiths research)

Question 3

Social psychological - peers - descriptive and injunctive norms

Answer 3

• perceived social norms within social groups which alter how we behave
• this alters the social normals of a social group/ removes them from the group
• come though social norms marketing
• this works to change the students perceptions of their peers drinking habits through mass media - providing them with the facts to combat the overestimation of social norms