Save
...
Unit 17: Addiction
17.3 Explanations for Nicotine Addiction
17.3.1 Brain Neurochemistry
Save
Share
Learn
Content
Leaderboard
Share
Learn
Cards (27)
What characterizes nicotine addiction as a chronic disorder?
Compulsive seeking and use
Nicotine addiction involves relapse after periods of abstinence due to its effects on key areas of the brain responsible for reward and
reinforcement
Individuals with nicotine addiction develop
tolerance
, requiring higher doses for the same effect.
Which brain region is connected to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in the dopamine pathway?
Nucleus accumbens
Nicotine directly stimulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on dopamine neurons in the
VTA
Nicotine's effect on dopamine release is more gradual and regulated compared to natural rewards.
False
What neurotransmitter typically activates acetylcholine receptors?
Acetylcholine
Nicotine's acute effects on acetylcholine receptors include enhanced alertness and cognitive
function
What neurotransmitter is affected by nicotine, leading to low mood during withdrawal?
Serotonin
Nicotine stimulates the release of
acetylcholine
, enhancing alertness and cognitive function.
Nicotine increases the inhibitory effects of GABA, reducing neuronal excitability.
False
Match the neurotransmitter with its function in nicotine addiction:
Dopamine ↔️ Euphoric effects and motivation
Serotonin ↔️ Mood fluctuations during withdrawal
Acetylcholine ↔️ Enhances alertness and cravings
GABA ↔️ Regulates neuronal excitability
Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the brain's reward pathway in nicotine addiction?
Dopamine
Low levels of serotonin during nicotine withdrawal can lead to anxiety and
depression
.
Prolonged nicotine use leads to tolerance and cravings due to its effects on
acetylcholine
.
What role does GABA play in nicotine addiction?
Reduces neuronal excitability
Nicotine stimulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the VTA, causing a surge of
dopamine
release.
What brain region connects the VTA to the nucleus accumbens in nicotine addiction?
Dopamine pathway
Nicotine causes a rapid and intense release of
dopamine
, which reinforces addictive behavior.
How does nicotine's effect on dopamine release compare to natural rewards?
Stronger reinforcement
Chronic nicotine use leads to tolerance and reduced sensitivity of
acetylcholine
receptors.
What are the primary roles of GABA and glutamate in nicotine dependence?
Regulate neuronal excitability
Nicotine reduces the release of
GABA
, which amplifies dopamine release and addictive behaviors.
Match the neuroadaptation mechanism with its definition:
Tolerance ↔️ Reduced response to a substance
Sensitization ↔️ Enhanced response to a substance
Homeostatic Regulation ↔️ Restoring normal neuronal balance
Reinforcement learning in nicotine addiction involves both positive and
negative
reinforcement.
What is an example of positive reinforcement in nicotine addiction?
Euphoric feelings from dopamine
What is an example of negative reinforcement in nicotine addiction?
Avoiding withdrawal symptoms