Summary A Level Psychology Addiction: Risk Factors' (AQA)
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Course
Addiction
Institution
AQA
Psychology notes that gained me an A* at A Level. I created this using textbooks, mark schemes, class notes and my own further research to provide a comprehensive set of notes. This is formatted according to the AQA psychology specification, where each point is covered, but regardless of the exam b...
Risk factors
Risk factor = increases chances of someone forming an addiction.
1 genetic vulnerability: people don’t inherit an addiction itself but inherit a
predisposition (vulnerability) to dependence. genes may determine the
activity of neurotransmitter systems e.g. dopamine in the brain which in turn
affect behaviours such as impulsivity that predispose a person to
dependence.50%. genetic vulnerability but can only develop if there is an
environmental trigger.
Possible genetic mechanisms:
- Dopamine: People who are addicted have an abnormally low number
of D2 receptors. Fewer D2 receptors means less dopamine activity so
using drugs is a way of compensating for this deficiency – low levels of
D2 receptors increases the intensity of the pleasurable feelings the
substance provides
- Metabolism: some individuals are more able to metabolise (break down)
certain substances which is linked to addiction. Planezza found some
people lack a fully functioning enzyme which metabolises nicotine. They
also smoke less than those smokers w fully functioning versions. Non-
smokers are more likely to carry an allele of the gene causing them to
feel nausea and dizzy from smoking so less likely
Ao3: Research support from adoption studies. Kendler found adoptees w
addicted biological parents had significantly greater risk of becoming addicted
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