Theories of Drug Addiction: Smoking Essay

In Jason’s case, addiction to smoking is a serious health problem, which creates certain challenges both to Jason and his employer. Nicotine is a psychoactive drug that has a negative impact on the brain. Jason’s strong desire for nicotine is followed by withdrawal symptoms. Using the selected motivational theory, it is possible to explain Jason’s addiction. Jason’s dependence on nicotine has progressed as he feels addicted and cannot control his behavior. The theory of positive and negative reinforcement shows that Jason is motivated by the pleasure provided by smoking, the so-called euphoria, while his experience of withdrawal symptoms leads to the relief because of anxiety and irritability. Actually, reinforcement theory explores the relationship that exists between the addict’s behavior and the possible consequences, modifying the behavior. Smoking behavior is maintained by negative reinforcement.

In addition, using the following two theories, namely opponent-process theory and incentive sensitization theory, it is possible to explain how both theories work together to explain or motivate Jason’s addiction. Jason’s addictive behavior can be explained by the integration of two processes related to addiction: initial positive process and opponent process. Repeated smoking “strengthens the opponent process, while the strength of the initial positive process remains constant”(Deckers, 2014, p. 94). The positive feedback from the opponent process is linked to incentive sensitization theory. Hence, Jason’s addiction to smoking can be explained by his craving for smoking as he is a life-long smoker and cannot give up smoking to avoid conflicts with his employer. According to researchers, craving for smoking results from hypersensitization of the dopamine system, which leads to the increase of the incentive salience (or wanting) of nicotine. Jason’s addiction to smoking stems from motivational theory and it cannot be fully controlled. Jason is motivated by the pleasure or positive emotional state that results from the process of smoking and is supported by sensitization of the nicotine use, leading to adaptation to the presence of nicotine.

References

Deckers, L. (2014) Motivation: Biological, psychological, and environmental (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

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"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]
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