Addiction AO1

    Cards (19)

    • What is physical dependence?
      When an individual has biologically adapted to a substance due to physical changes that occur in the brain
    • What is psychological dependence?
      When an individual is compelled to continue taking a substance as it becomes central to their thoughts and they think they need it to cope
    • What is tolerance?
      Where an individual needs more of the substance to achieve the same effects due to synaptic changes
    • What is withdrawal syndrome?
      It is a result of neuroadaptation, where an individual experiences negative symptoms if they abstain from their addiction
    • What are some examples of withdrawal symptoms?
      Anxiety, sweating, nausea, tremours.
    • Describe genetic vulnerability as a risk factor in addiction
      This is where an individual inherits a vulnerability through a variant of the DRD2 gene, which is linked to lower dopamine D2 receptor density. This means that an individual experiences reduced pleasure in daily activities, so may seek stronger dopamine stimulation through drugs or alcohol.
    • Describe stress as a risk factor in addiction
      Chronic stress activates the HPA axis, raising cortisol levels and making drugs seem more rewarding. Also, the self medication model suggests that people experiencing stress may use addictive substances to reduce anxiety.
    • Describe personality as a risk factor in addiction
      Eysenck suggested that high neuroticism and psychoticism is linked to high impulsivity, which leads to poor decision making and a need for immediate gratification. Also, Cloninger proposed three dimensions of personality (high novelty seeking, inhibited harm avoidance and high reward dependence)
    • Describe family influence as a risk factor in addiction
      Neglectful parenting style increases risk of addiction. According to social learning theory, if parents model or approve of addictive behaviour a child is more likely to imitate.
    • Describe peer influence as a risk factor in addiction
      According to social learning theory, peers act as role models for behaviour. Also, addiction can become a perceived norm, which shapes the behaviour of those who value their peers.
    • Describe neurochemistry as a biological explanation of nicotine addiction
      Nicotine stimulates the mesolimbic pathway, specifically the nucleus accumbens, releasing dopamine which creates pleasure. Repeated use of nicotine results in neuroadaptation, where the brain reduces the density of dopamine receptors, increasing tolerance.
    • Describe learning theory as a behavioural explanation of nicotine addiction
      Classical conditioning is where the pleasure of nicotine becomes associated with cues, such as a lighter or a pub, and these act as conditioned stimuli which increase cravings
      Operant conditioning is where the pleasure of nicotine via smoking acts as a positive reinforcer, and the relief of cravings via smoking acts as a negative reinforcer.
    • Describe learning theory as a behavioural explanation of gambling addiction
      Variable reinforcement is a type of operant conditioning and is most resistant to extinction as it is unpredictable. Partial reinforcement is also powerful as not every attempt is rewarded.
      Cue reactivity is a type of classical conditioning, where stimuli, such as sounds, lights and chips become associated with the pleasure of gambling.
    • Describe cognitive biases as a cognitive explanation of gambling addiction
      Illusion of control - belief that skill affects outcome of chance games
      Gamblers' fallacy - believe they are due a win after losses
      Selective recall - remember wins and forget losses
      Personal rituals - wearing lucky socks
      These biases maintain behaviour even when losses occur
    • Describe drug therapy as a way of reducing addiction
      Agonists create a similar effect to the addictive substance by activating the same neuron receptors. For example, methadone is an opioid replacement to wean off heroin and nicotine replacement therapy release small doses to reduce withdrawal.

      Antagonists reduce the effect of the addictive substance by blocking neuron receptors. For example, naltrexone reduces the effects of heroin and bupropion blocks dopamine reuptake and reduces cravings.
    • Describe the behavioural interventions as a way of reducing addiction
      Aversion therapy - associating the substance or behaviour with an unpleasant outcome. For example, an emetic drug can be paired with alcohol to induce vomiting.
      Covert sensitisation - use imagination to pair substance or behaviour with negative image. For example, gambling leads to losing money to pay for mortgage, leading to homelessness.
    • Describe cognitive behavioural therapy as a way of reducing addiction
      Focus on identifying and challenging cognitive distortions and develop coping strategies to prevent relapse. These include drug refusal skills, problem solving skills and relaxation skills.
    • Describe the theory of planned behaviour as a theory of behaviour change
      This theory states that behaviour is all about intention, which is determined by three factors:
      • Personal attitudes - if a person has a negative view of their addiction, they are more likely to change
      • Subjective norms - if other people do not approve, they are more likely to change
      • Perceived behavioural control - if the addict is strong willed and believes they can quit, they are more likely to change
    • Describe Prochaska's six stage model as a theory of behaviour change
      There are various steps that occur between addiction and rehabilitation as behavioural change cannot occur instantly:
      1. Pre-contemplation = not thinking about changing
      2. Contemplation = thinking about changing
      3. Preparation = planning to change behaviour
      4. Action = actively changing
      5. Maintenance = sustaining change, relapse likely
      6. Termination = individual has abstained from addiction
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