The Biological Approach to Addiction
The Brain!
Understand the Assumptions of the Biological Approach
Evaluate the Biological Approach
Answer the exam Q; Outline and evaluate the biological model as an explanation for the maintenance of one addictive behaviour. (4 marks + 4 marks)
Assumptions:Addiction is an illness
Addiction is irreversible
Emphasis on
treatment
InitiationAddictive drugs trigger the release of
dopamine - reward systemWhile the full diversity of drug effects is mediated by multiple
neurotransmitters acting in multiple brain regions, most addictive drugs share the common property of increasing dopamine release in
the striatum (e.g., Di Chiara and Imperato, 1988; Kuczenski et al., 1991).
Opiate (pleasure) pathways can be directly stimulated by heroin, alcohol and nicotine
Susceptible people to addictions are born with a more sensitive mesolimbic dopamine pathway
(Liebman and Cooper, 1989)
Mesolimbic pathways: spontaneously release small amounts of dopamine to maintain stable moods.
Nature or Nurture?
Maintenance
Persistent exposure to a drug eventually leads to a reduction in brain activity
Greater Tolerance = More drug use= Greater Withdrawal
Draw a representation of this on your white
boards… Less effect…
Relapse
Lasting memories maintain the need for the drug and
the positive rewards.
Addicts crave the dopamine rush (not just
the drug!)
Which approach can
explain this
association?
Alcoholics: 36% of their relatives also diagnosed with an alcohol disorder (Merikangas et al, 1998)
Heritability of nicotine dependence has been estimated at 60-70% (Kendler, et al, 1999)
Heritability of alcohol dependence has been estimated at 39-60%
(Heath and Martin, 1993)
Can an addiction be inherited?Yes or No – on your white boards
A: AimP: ProcedureF: Findings
C: ConclusionE: Evaluation Create an
acronym or
image story to
remember these
terms
Evaluation Game!
Create an acronym or
image story to
remember these
terms
GeneralisabilityEthicsApplicationValidityReliability
Situational vs DispositionalType of data (qualitative/quantitative)
ApproachNature vs NurtureDeterminism vs Free WillEthnocentric biasReductionism vs HolismScientific?
Evaluation Game!
Now apply them
to the Biological
Approach
GeneralisabilityReliabilityApplicationValidityEthics
Individual differences:
genetic predisposition or
resistance?
Does everyone become an
addict?
Nature AND nurture?
Much of the data is
correlational…
What about Gambling?
Situational vs DispositionalType of data (qualitative/quantitative)
ApproachNature vs NurtureDeterminism vs Free WillEthnocentric biasReductionism vs HolismScientific?
Prep:Outline and evaluate the biological
model as an explanation for the maintenance of oneaddictive behaviour. (4 marks + 4 marks)
Prep: Find an example of a celebrity
partaking in an addictive behaviourPrint out the image for next Addiction
lesson!