Neurochemical explanation for smoking addiction

Question 1

what is the biological model?

Answer 1

sees addiction as a physiologically controlled pattern of behaviour. addiction percieved as disease.

Question 2

explanation of addiction steps (neuroadaption/desensitisation)

Answer 2

1.taking cigarette, nicotine binds to ventral tegmentum
2. releases dopamine through brain to reigions like nucleus acumbus + prefrontal cortex (common reward pathways)
3. activated= pleasure + encourages to repeat behaviour
4. more smoking= reward systems neurons changed permanently, dopamine receptors less sensitive, tolerance + cravings fuel repeat use

Question 3

substantial research support

strength of explanation

Answer 3

• McEvoy studied smoking behaviour in ppl with schizophrenia taking antipsychotic drugs which were dopamine receptor blockers, theraby reducing dopamine transmission
• ppl taking drug had increase in smoking as act of self-medication
• supports view dopamine has key role in neurochemistry

Question 4

reductionist

why is this explanation reductionist?

Answer 4

• soley focuses on influence of one’s neurochemistry like dopamine
• ignores higher levels of explanation eg biology (genetic disposition), peers (conformity)
• offers partial explanation to addiction, hollistic view needed for full understanding

Question 5

what practical application does this explanation have?

Answer 5

• neurochemistry leads to new treatment
• has been nicotine replacement patches eg vapes to help smokers quit. developed after nicotine identified as addictive substance. binds with nicotine receptors and mimicks effects of nicotine.
• greater understanding led to effective treatment

Question 6

why is the explanation deterministic?

Answer 6

• biologically deterministic as suggests addicted bc of chemical events in brain involving dopamine reward including withdrawal. suggests addiction inevitable if start smoke
• ignores social smokers (Shiffman) found chippers (light smokers) had no withdrawls when deprived of nicotine for 2 days compared to regular smokers
• ignores free will as not all become dependent after smoking