Describe one biological explanation (10)

• Point:

  one biological explanation of addictive behaviour is the role of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway.
• Explain:

  Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, playing a key role in the development of addiction. The mesolimbic pathway, which includes the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), is responsible for the release of dopamine when engaging in rewarding activities. Addictive substances and behaviours, such as drug abuse or gambling, trigger excessive dopamine release, reinforcing the behaviour and increasing the likelihood of repetition.
• Example

  Research by Boileau et Al (2003) found that both drugs and gambling caused dopamine release, highlighting the role of this pathway in addiction. over time, continuous exposure to an addictive substance reduces D2 receptor density, meaning the individual requires more of the substance to achieve the same pleasurable effects. If the substance is stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the brain’s reduced ability to produce dopamine naturally, leading to cravings and relapse. (Volkow et al 1997)
• Point 2

  Another key biological factor in addiction is the role of the frontal cortex
• Explain 2:

  This brain region is responsible for higher order cognitive functions such as decision-making, impulse control, and memory. Research has shown that addicts often exhibit abnormalities in their frontal cortex, which may contribute to continued substance use despite negative consequences.
• Evidence 2:

  for example, Bolla et Al (2003) found that cocaine addicts had deficits in decision-making tasks, meaning they struggled to resist drug-related cues. This suggests that changes in the frontal cortex impair self-control, making it harder for addicts to stop engaging in addictive behaviours
• Link 2:

  These structural changes in the brain, combined with dopamine’s reinforcing effects, contribute to the maintenance of addiction and the difficulty of overcoming it