Maintenance

• Role of dopamine


  Smokers continue to smoke because nicotine molecules continue to attach to receptors in the VTA (ventral tegmental area) and dopamine is released in the NA(nucleus accumbens). The pleasure from the dopamine release rewards the smoking behaviour, so the smoker is compelled to continue.
• Nicotine regulation theory.


  The nicotine regulation model (Schachter 1977) argues that people continue smoking to regulate nicotine in their bloodstream, to keep continually activating receptors and maintain the 'buzz'. They keep smoking to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
• What is tolerance and how does it occur in smokers?

  The need to take more of a substance or increase a behaviour to maintain pleasure.

  The more a person smokes, the more nicotine receptors develop. Each needs satisfying so a greater quantity of nicotine is needed.