ADDICTION ( explanations for nicotine addiction - brain neurochemistry )

Question 1

Outline the role of dopamine in nicotine addiction

Answer 1

Nicotine stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain’s mesolimbic dopamine system. Dopamine creates feelings of pleasure and reward reinforcing the behaviour . This reward makes the smoker want to repeat the experience - positive reinforcement

Question 2

Outline Glutamate , GABA and MAO

Answer 2

Glutamate is the brain’s main excitatory neurotransmitter. Nicotine stimulates glutamate release , increasing activity in parts of the brain which enhances the release of dopamine reinforcing the addictive behaviour.

GABA - the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter reducing dopamine release in the brain however nicotine temporarily supresses GABA activity in the VTA. Nicotine indirectly causes a dopamine surge , heightening the rewarding effects

MAO - MAO is an enzyme that breaks down dopamine , cigarette smoke contains MAO inhibitors this leads to higher dopamine levels in the brain by slowing its breakdown. Prolonged rewarding effects of nicotine , increasing the likelihood of use and dependence

Question 3

Evaluate brain neurochemistry as an explanation for nicotine addiction

Answer 3

STRENGTHS :

Supported by research including brain imaging techniques. Volkow et al used neuroimaging to demonstrate dopamine surges in addicted individuals , particularly in response to drug - related cues. This strengthens validity.

Support for the role of Glutamate and GABA - researchers blocked transmission of glutamate which resulted in a decrease in nicotine intake and nicotine seeking in animals . These findings are consistent with explanations of the actions of these neurotransmitters during smoking and reinforce their role in addiction

LIMITATIONS :

Reductionist approach : Biologically reductionist as they reduce human complex behaviour to simple chemical processes , such as dopamine level or receptor activity. This neglects psychological and social factors like personality traits , childhood trauma , peer pressure and environment

Ignores individual differences : Not everyone who takes an addictive substance becomes addicted , which suggests genetic , personality and environmental differences. Two people exposed to nicotine may have different outcomes depending on their genetic sensitivity and the number of nicotinic receptors they naturally have

Question 4

Define learning theory of nicotine addiction

Answer 4

explains addiction as a behaviour acquired and maintained through experience and environmental reinforcement

Question 5

Outline classical conditioning ( association learning ) in the development of nicotine addiction

Answer 5

Nicotine is the UCS that produces pleasure/relaxation ( UCR) due to dopamine release.

Environmental cues ( eg. smell of smoke , lighter ) become a CS through repeated pairing with nicotine. These cues trigger cravings ( CR) even in the absence of nicotine

Question 6

Outline operant conditioning ( reinforcement ) in the development of nicotine addiction

Answer 6

Smoking is maintained through positive reinforcement : the pleasurable effects of nicotine ( dopamine release ).

Negative reinforcement : smoking removes unpleasant withdrawal symptoms eg. anxiety , irritability

Over time, avoiding withdrawal becomes a strong motivator for continued use

Question 7

Outline Social learning Theory in the development of nicotine addiction

Answer 7

Addiction can also develop through vicarious reinforcement : observing others ( especially role models like parents , peers) being rewarded for smoking. If a teen sees friends gaining social approval or stress relief from smoking , they may imitate the behaviour

Question 8

Evaluate Learning theory as an explanation of nicotine addiction

Answer 8

STRENGTHS :

Explains environmental and social influence : learning theory accounts for influence of social context ( peer pressure , family habits) , which is realistic and observable .

It also explains cue reactivity - why ex-smokers experience cravings when exposed to smoking- related stimuli. Supported by Carter & Tiffany meta analysis found strong cue reactivity in smokers when exposed to smoking - related stimuli

Practical applications : Learning theory led to effective treatments such as :
Cue - exposure theory - exposing individuals to smoking - related cues without the drug to break the association

LIMITATIONS :

Ignores biological factors : it is environmentally deterministic and reductionist - it overlooks the role of bio processes like dopamine release , genetic disposition.

Cannot explain all aspects of maintenance : Learning theory explains initiation and relapse ( cue-induced cravings ) but it is less effective at explaining long - term maintenance of addiction where physiological dependence plays a bigger role. It doesn’t explain why withdrawal symptoms are so severe in some individuals