Initiation

Cards (2)

  • Positive Reinforcement
    Alcohol activates the brain’s dopamine reward system. Alcohol molecules are able to attach to the neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). This creates a sense of pleasure.
    The individual may also be in the environment where they receive rewards for drinking. This pleasure/praise reinforces the drinking.
    An individual may observe others enjoy/receive rewards for drinking so therefore copy the behaviour.
  • Negative Reinforcement
    Some people begin drinking as a way to escape stress in their lives
    They avoid stress by drinking which negatively reinforces the behaviour