Addiction Flashcards
What is the average reduction in life expectancy caused by smoking?
12 years
Why do people smoke?
They are usually initiated as children and adolescents, then continue because of nicotine addiction.
Why do the nicotine levels in the blood increase so rapidly when smoking a cigarette?
It is breathed into the lungs so diffuses directly across the alveoli into the blood.
Which parts of the brain does nicotine activate the nicotinic receptors on to produce reinforcement and addiction?
Raphe nuclei, ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens - dopamine and serotonin release.
Why does stopping smoking cause severe withdraw, symptoms?
The brain adapts to a constant presence of nicotine by up regulating and downregulating receptors, so dependence is caused.
Which aspect of operant conditioning is represented by another cigarette effectively curing nicotine withdrawal?
Negative reinforcement
Why might a smoker feel a desire to quit?
Concerns about health and financial cost, guilt about second hand smoke, thinking people are disgusted by smoking, hope of success in quitting.
Why might a smoker feel an urge to continue smoking?
Anticipated enjoyment of and need for cigarette, perceived stress relief, thinking they will lose self esteem if the quitting attempt fails, concerns about unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, concerns about gaining weight.
What are the physiological benefits of quitting smoking?
Reduced blood pressure Improved circulation Carbon monoxide eliminated from body Taste and smell improved as nicotine removed from body Increased energy levels Reduced heart attack and cancer risk
What are the two ways to reduce the harm caused by tobacco use?
Reduce the harm from use (e.g e cigarettes, the smoking ban reducing second hand smoke)
Reduce the prevalence of tobacco use, by promoting cessation and reducing uptake
What are the 5 stages in the transtheoretical model (cycle of change)?
Precontemplation (not receptive to health messages)
Contemplation (more aware of problem)
Determination /Preparation
Action (last up to 6 months, period wher most help and support is needed)
Maintenance
What is the object of Very Brief Advice, and what are the 3As?
To move someone from a precontemplative to a contemplative state.
1) Ask - what is the patient’s smoking status?
2) Advise - the best way of quitting is with a combination of medication and specialist support
3) Act (on the patient’s response) - build confidence, give information, refer, prescribe
What ingredient of cigarettes causes the addiction, and which is the carcinogen?
Nicotine = addiction Tar = carcinogen
