Psychological problems- Addiction Flashcards
Mention some features of Addiction
Denial
Changes in mood appetite and sleep
Financial problems
Losing interest in what they used to love
How does Addiction affect a person as an individual
–Denial that they have a problem.
–Guilty for the effect their behaviour has on loved ones.
–Fear of stigma or being unable to engage in addictive behaviour.
–Helplessness as they are unable to quit.
–Anger to those who confront them about their addiction.
How can genetics (in monozygotic twins) explain addictions?
Dorit Carmelli et al(1992)
Identical twins- If one was a smoker, there was a high chance of the other one smoking too.
Addiction to smoking could be genetic.
How can genetics explain addictions to cocaine?
Diana Marinez et al 2004
Heavy users of cocaine were seen to have a version of dopamine receptor
Genetic variation make people more prone to developing cocaine addiction.
How can genetics explain addictions to alcohol in families? Biological parents
Donald Goodwin et al 1973
Adopted children who had atleast one biological parent with alcohol addiction were more likely to show signs or develop it.
Relationship btw alcoholism and genetics
How can genetics explain addictions to alcohol in families? Adoption family
Cadoret et al 1987
Kids growing in a adoptive family of smokers or alcohol addicts would more likely to develop it aswell or show signs of them.
Environmental influences
Evaluate the use of genetics as an explanation for addiction(strength)
There is a lot of scientific evidence to support the genetic explanation for addiction.
Twin studies and adoption studies act as a control for possible factors that could explain addiction.
There is evidence that family members might share genes that would explain why addictions run in families (but the results could also be explained by other shared factors.)
Evaluate the use of genetics as an explanation for addiction(weaknesses)
Some people seem naturally more likely to develop addictions, while others might take part in many potentially addictive behaviours but find it easy to stop and start.
The genetic explanation is reductionist because it fails to take social factors into account.
Research has not been able to find a single gene that explains where addiction comes from. This makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing the addiction.
One of the genes that has been linked to addictions (DDR2 A1 gene) has been linked to autism. Autism and addiction have very different symptoms and features, and so it is not clear how exactly the gene relates to addiction.
Explains why only some people are prone to becoming addicts.
Mention the three learning theories of addiction
Classical conditioning - Through associations
Operant conditioning- from consequences of action
Social learning theory - through observations and imitation of role models
Explain classical conditioning with example
If a substance or activity is associated with positive feelings in some way, the person learns to associate it with the positive feeling.
Explain operant conditioning with example
Positively reinforced behaviour increases the chances of doing it again.
Negative reinforcement/ consequence to our behaviour, that behaviour is avoided
Explain Social learning theory with example
Behaviour is learned as a result of observing other people – role models – and modelling their behaviour.
May copy someone they look up to with an addiction. E.g. imitating a parent who is smoking.
Evaluate the use of learning theory as an explanation for addiction(strength)
Assumes behaviours can be unlearned. This means we can use the theories to develop treatments for addiction
Operant Conditioning - some biological factors: The brain rewards taking drugs by releasing ‘feel good’ chemicals.
interaction between internal and external factors of addiction
Classical Conditioning – helps explain why some people relapse even years after they have stopped.
E.g. A smoker may have the urge to smoke in a situation associated with smoking.
Evaluate the use of learning theory as an explanation for addiction(weaknesses)
In the main the theory ignores the roles of biological factors
Does not explain why only a small number become addicted after does activities
If we learn from associations and consequences then anyone with an experience of these should become addicted.
Social Learning Theory- if someone sees a role model try drugs, alcohol and gambling but does not become addicted, they may not continue with an addiction
