Psychology · Year 11 · Psychological Problems · 4.º Período

Addiction

An exploration of the characteristics of addiction, including biological and psychological explanations. Students will assess the effectiveness of aversion therapy and self-management programmes.

TL;DR:Addiction is a complex condition characterised by a compulsive need to engage in a substance or activity despite harmful consequences. Students examine the difference between physical and psychological dependence and explore various explanations, including genetic vulnerability and peer influence. They also evaluate treatments such as aversion therapy and self-management programmes like Alcoholics Anonymous.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• AQA GCSE Psychology 3.2.3.5 Addiction
• AQA GCSE Psychology 3.2.3.6 Treatments for addiction

About This Topic

Addiction is a complex condition characterised by a compulsive need to engage in a substance or activity despite harmful consequences. Students examine the difference between physical and psychological dependence and explore various explanations, including genetic vulnerability and peer influence. They also evaluate treatments such as aversion therapy and self-management programmes like Alcoholics Anonymous.

This topic is particularly relevant for Year 11s as they encounter social pressures around substances and technology. It provides a scientific lens through which to view a highly stigmatised issue. Active learning strategies, such as simulating the 'cost-benefit' of addiction or debating the ethics of aversion therapy, help students understand the struggle of recovery and the multi-faceted nature of the condition.

Key Questions

1. What distinguishes addiction from a bad habit?
2. How does peer influence contribute to addiction?
3. Can aversion therapy successfully treat addiction?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Addiction only applies to drugs and alcohol.

What to Teach Instead

Addiction can also be behavioural, such as gambling or internet use. A 'sorting' activity where students categorise different behaviours can help them identify the common psychological markers of all addictions.

Common Misconception

Aversion therapy is a 'cure' for addiction.

What to Teach Instead

While it can create a temporary dislike, it often fails in the long term because it doesn't address the underlying reasons for the addiction. A debate on 'relapse' helps students understand why holistic treatments are often needed.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game

The Peer Pressure Circle

Students sit in a circle and pass around a 'temptation' (e.g., a phone or a snack). They must practice different ways to resist peer pressure using 'refusal skills', while the class observes which strategies are most effective.

25 min·Whole Class

Formal Debate

Is Addiction a Choice?

One side argues the 'medical model' (addiction is a brain disease/genetic), while the other argues the 'social learning model' (addiction is a learned behaviour). Students must use AQA-specific studies to back up their arguments.

40 min·Whole Class

Gallery Walk

Evaluating Treatments

Posters around the room describe Aversion Therapy, CBT, and Self-Management. Students move in pairs to list the 'pros and cons' of each, focusing on things like cost, long-term effectiveness, and ethics.

30 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between dependence and addiction?

Dependence is the physical or psychological need for a substance to function normally. Addiction is the compulsive behaviour and loss of control over the substance or activity, even when it causes harm.

How does peer influence contribute to addiction?

Peers can provide the opportunity to try a substance, model the behaviour, and provide social reinforcement (praise or acceptance) for engaging in it, which is a key part of Social Learning Theory.

How does aversion therapy work?

Aversion therapy uses classical conditioning to pair an unpleasant stimulus (like an electric shock or a drug that causes vomiting) with the addictive behaviour. The goal is to create a negative association so the person wants to avoid the behaviour.

How can active learning help students understand addiction?

Active learning allows students to explore the 'why' behind the 'what'. By debating the causes of addiction or evaluating the ethics of treatments like aversion therapy, they develop a more nuanced understanding of the biological and social factors involved. This critical approach is essential for achieving top marks in the AQA 'Psychological Problems' paper.