Describing Addiction | AQA A-Level Psychology Revision

Revision Notes
Aug 7
22 min read

Updated: Aug 14

For 7182 specification, first teach in September 2025

AQA A-Level Psychology | Free Revision Notes

Estimated study time: 55 to 70 minutes

Describing addiction A-Level Psychology revision introduces the core characteristics used to understand addictive behaviour. You will examine physical dependence, psychological dependence, tolerance and withdrawal syndrome, learning how these features may appear in both substance and behavioural addictions.

These concepts underpin later explanations of nicotine and gambling addiction. Understanding them will help you recognise why addictive behaviour may continue even when it causes financial, physical, emotional or social harm. The AQA specification explicitly requires all four characteristics.

Learning Objectives 🎯

By the end of this revision page, you should be able to:

Define physical dependence.
Define psychological dependence.
Explain how tolerance develops.
Explain withdrawal syndrome.
Distinguish tolerance from withdrawal.
Apply the characteristics of addiction to unfamiliar examples involving substances and behaviours.
Explain how dependence, tolerance and withdrawal may maintain addictive behaviour.

Revision Notes 📚

What Is Addiction?

Addiction involves a powerful and persistent involvement with a substance or behaviour that becomes difficult to control.

An addicted person may continue the behaviour even when it causes negative consequences involving:

Physical health.
Mental health.
Relationships.
Education.
Employment.
Money.
Daily responsibilities.

Addiction may involve a substance, such as nicotine, or a behaviour, such as gambling.

The AQA Addiction topic examines:

Nicotine addiction.
Gambling addiction.
Risk factors that increase vulnerability.
Explanations for addictive behaviour.
Ways of reducing addiction.

Before examining those explanations, students need to understand four central characteristics:

Physical dependence.
Psychological dependence.
Tolerance.
Withdrawal syndrome.

Addiction Is More Than Repeated Behaviour

Someone may perform a behaviour frequently without necessarily being addicted.

For example, a person might:

Drink coffee every morning.
Play an online game regularly.
Purchase a lottery ticket occasionally.
Use social media each evening.

Frequent behaviour becomes more suggestive of addiction when it involves features such as:

Compulsion.
Dependence.
Increasing amounts or intensity.
Craving.
Difficulty stopping.
Withdrawal symptoms.
Continuation despite harmful consequences.

The presence of one feature alone does not always provide a complete description. The pattern of characteristics is more informative.

Physical Dependence

What Is Physical Dependence?

Physical dependence occurs when the body adapts to the repeated presence of an addictive substance and comes to function as though the substance is required.

When the substance is reduced or removed, the body’s altered functioning may produce physical withdrawal symptoms.

A simple definition is:

Physical dependence is a physiological need for a substance that has developed because the body has adapted to its repeated use.

Physical dependence is most directly relevant to substance addictions, such as nicotine addiction.

Physiological Adaptation

Repeated exposure to an addictive substance can alter normal biological functioning.

The body may adjust its:

Receptor sensitivity.
Neurotransmitter activity.
Arousal.
Metabolism.
Physiological balance.

Once this adaptation has occurred, functioning without the substance may feel abnormal or uncomfortable.

The person may describe needing the substance:

To feel normal.
To prevent discomfort.
To concentrate.
To reduce physical symptoms.
To begin the day.

The Development of Physical Dependence

The general process is:

The person repeatedly consumes an addictive substance.
The substance changes physiological activity.
The body adapts to its repeated presence.
The substance becomes part of the body’s expected functioning.
Reducing or stopping the substance disrupts this adapted state.
Physical withdrawal symptoms may occur.
The person may use the substance again to remove those symptoms.

Physical dependence therefore helps explain why stopping can be difficult.

Examples of Physical Dependence

Possible physical signs when an addictive substance is unavailable may include:

Shaking.
Sweating.
Headaches.
Nausea.
Sleep disruption.
Changes in appetite.
Physical tension.
Increased heart rate.
General discomfort.

The exact symptoms depend on:

The substance.
The amount used.
The duration of use.
The person’s physiology.
How quickly use is reduced.

Students should not assume that every addictive substance produces exactly the same physical symptoms.

Physical Dependence and Nicotine

A person who has developed physical dependence on nicotine may experience discomfort when nicotine levels fall.

For example, after a period without smoking, the person may:

Feel physically restless.
Become irritable.
Experience strong cravings.
Have difficulty concentrating.
Feel driven to smoke again.

Smoking then removes or reduces the unpleasant state.

AQA mark schemes connect nicotine abstinence with withdrawal and renewed motivation to smoke.

Physical Dependence Does Not Mean the Person Enjoys the Substance

During the early stages of use, a person may take a substance because it produces pleasure.

After physical dependence develops, the motivation may change.

The person may continue mainly because using the substance:

Prevents withdrawal.
Removes discomfort.
Restores expected functioning.
Allows them to feel normal.

This distinction helps explain why addictive behaviour may continue even when the person no longer reports enjoying it.

Psychological Dependence

What Is Psychological Dependence?

Psychological dependence is an emotional or cognitive need to continue using a substance or performing a behaviour.

The person may believe that they:

Cannot cope without it.
Need it to relax.
Need it to feel confident.
Need it to escape stress.
Cannot enjoy themselves without it.
Cannot control the urge.
Must perform the behaviour when a craving appears.

A simple definition is:

Psychological dependence is a perceived emotional or mental need for an addictive substance or behaviour.

Unlike physical dependence, psychological dependence can occur in both:

Substance addictions.
Behavioural addictions.

Psychological Need

The word need is important.

The person may feel that the substance or activity is necessary for psychological wellbeing.

For example:

“I need a cigarette when I am stressed.”
“I cannot socialise unless I smoke.”
“Gambling is the only thing that makes me feel excited.”
“I cannot stop thinking about placing another bet.”
“I need to gamble to escape my problems.”

These beliefs may continue even when the behaviour produces harmful consequences.

Craving

A craving is a strong desire or urge to use a substance or engage in an addictive behaviour.

Cravings may involve:

Repeated thoughts about the substance or activity.
Difficulty concentrating on anything else.
Anticipation of pleasure.
A belief that discomfort will end after engaging in the behaviour.
A sense that the urge is difficult to resist.

Craving is closely connected with psychological dependence.

It may also be triggered by environmental cues, which are examined in learned associations and nicotine cravings [Lesson 5: Learning theory and nicotine addiction].

Emotional Regulation

A person may become psychologically dependent because the addictive behaviour appears to regulate emotions.

They may use it to:

Reduce stress.
Escape boredom.
Avoid sadness.
Feel excitement.
Increase confidence.
Distract themselves from problems.
Cope with anxiety.

For example:

A person may believe that smoking is the only way to calm down after an argument.

The behaviour becomes associated with emotional relief.

Psychological Dependence and Gambling

Gambling addiction does not require the consumption of an external substance.

However, a gambler may become psychologically dependent on:

The excitement.
The possibility of winning.
Escape from everyday problems.
Feelings of risk.
The gambling routine.
Thoughts about recovering previous losses.

The person may experience:

Persistent urges.
Preoccupation.
Anxiety when unable to gamble.
Irritability.
A belief that gambling is necessary for enjoyment or relief.

Preoccupation

Preoccupation occurs when thoughts about the addictive behaviour dominate attention.

A psychologically dependent person may spend considerable time:

Thinking about the next opportunity.
Planning how to obtain money.
Remembering previous experiences.
Imagining future rewards.
Looking for opportunities to engage in the behaviour.

The addictive activity may interfere with other responsibilities and relationships.

Psychological Dependence and Beliefs

Psychological dependence may be strengthened by beliefs such as:

“I cannot cope without it.”
“This is the only way I can relax.”
“I need one more attempt.”
“Stopping would make my life unbearable.”
“I have no control over the urge.”
“I deserve this after a difficult day.”

These beliefs can become targets in changing addictive thoughts and developing coping strategies [Lesson 10: Cognitive behaviour therapy].

Physical and Psychological Dependence Compared

Feature	Physical dependence	Psychological dependence
Main basis	Physiological adaptation	Emotional and cognitive need
Central experience	The body has adapted to the substance	The person believes or feels they need the substance or behaviour
Most directly associated with	Substance addiction	Substance and behavioural addiction
When use stops	Physical withdrawal symptoms may occur	Craving, anxiety, distress or preoccupation may occur
Example	Smoking to stop physical discomfort	Smoking because the person believes it is the only way to relax
Possible maintenance process	Removal of physical withdrawal	Removal of psychological distress or craving
Level of explanation	Biological	Cognitive and emotional

Physical and Psychological Dependence Can Occur Together

A person addicted to nicotine may show both forms of dependence.

For example:

Jamie feels physically restless after several hours without nicotine and also believes that smoking is the only way to manage stress.

Physical restlessness may indicate physical dependence.
The belief about coping with stress indicates psychological dependence.

The distinction concerns the basis of the need, not whether two completely different people are involved.

Distinguishing the Two in an Exam Scenario

Ask:

Is the statement mainly about bodily adaptation or a perceived emotional need?

Examples:

Statement	Most likely characteristic
“My hands shake when I stop.”	Physical dependence or withdrawal
“I cannot relax without gambling.”	Psychological dependence
“I need nicotine to stop feeling physically uncomfortable.”	Physical dependence
“I think about betting throughout the day.”	Psychological dependence
“I feel that smoking is part of who I am.”	Psychological dependence
“My body feels unwell when nicotine levels fall.”	Physical dependence

A scenario may contain evidence of both.

Tolerance

What Is Tolerance?

Tolerance occurs when repeated exposure reduces the effect of a substance or behaviour, so the person needs a greater amount or intensity to obtain the original effect.

A precise definition is:

Tolerance is the need for increasing amounts of a substance or increasing intensity of a behaviour to achieve an effect that was previously produced by less.

The key idea is the same effect.

The Development of Tolerance

The general process is:

The person uses a substance or performs an addictive behaviour.
It produces a particular effect.
Repeated exposure leads to adaptation.
The original amount produces a weaker effect.
The person increases the dose, frequency or intensity.
The increased level temporarily restores the desired effect.

AQA’s mark scheme explains tolerance in nicotine addiction as needing more nicotine to create the same effect after repeated activation.

Tolerance and Substance Addiction

A person might initially obtain the desired effect from:

A small amount.
Infrequent use.
A low dose.

As tolerance develops, they may:

Use more frequently.
Consume a greater amount.
Select a stronger form.
Use for longer periods.
Increase the dose.

For example:

A smoker who once felt satisfied after one cigarette may later smoke several cigarettes to experience a comparable effect.

Tolerance and Gambling Addiction

Tolerance can also be applied to behavioural addiction.

A gambler may need:

Larger bets.
More frequent gambling.
Riskier gambling.
Longer gambling sessions.
Greater financial stakes.

to experience the excitement previously produced by a smaller amount.

For example:

At first, betting £2 produced excitement. After repeated gambling, the person begins placing £20 bets to experience a similar thrill.

The increase in intensity is evidence of tolerance.

Tolerance Is Not Simply Wanting More

Wanting more of something does not automatically demonstrate tolerance.

For tolerance to be present:

The original amount or intensity has become less effective.
A greater amount is needed to produce the previous effect.

Consider these statements:

“I bought two tickets because I wanted two chances to win.”

This does not necessarily show tolerance.

“Small bets no longer feel exciting, so I now need to risk much larger amounts.”

This clearly indicates tolerance.

Tolerance and Escalation

Tolerance may cause addictive behaviour to escalate.

Escalation means that the behaviour becomes:

More frequent.
More intense.
More expensive.
More time-consuming.
Potentially more harmful.

The person may then experience increasing:

Health risks.
Financial losses.
Relationship problems.
Difficulty stopping.

Tolerance May Differ Between People

Tolerance does not develop at the same rate for everyone.

Differences may reflect:

Frequency of use.
Duration of use.
Amount consumed.
Biology.
The particular addictive substance or behaviour.
Periods of abstinence.

In an examination, avoid presenting one fixed amount or timescale as applying to every person.

Withdrawal Syndrome

What Is Withdrawal Syndrome?

Withdrawal syndrome is the collection of unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms that may occur when an addicted person reduces or stops the substance or behaviour.

The word syndrome means a group of symptoms occurring together.

A precise definition is:

Withdrawal syndrome is a pattern of physical and psychological symptoms produced when an addictive substance or behaviour is reduced or stopped.

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms

Possible physical symptoms may include:

Shaking.
Sweating.
Headaches.
Nausea.
Sleep disturbance.
Increased heart rate.
Physical tension.
Changes in appetite.
General discomfort.

Physical symptoms are particularly relevant to substance addictions.

They reflect the body responding to the absence of something to which it has adapted.

Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms

Possible psychological symptoms may include:

Anxiety.
Irritability.
Low mood.
Restlessness.
Difficulty concentrating.
Craving.
Disturbed sleep.
Preoccupation with the addictive behaviour.
Reduced enjoyment of other activities.

Psychological symptoms may occur in both substance and behavioural addictions.

Withdrawal from Nicotine

A nicotine-dependent person who stops smoking may experience symptoms such as:

Irritability.
Restlessness.
Craving.
Concentration difficulties.
Low mood.

The person may smoke again because doing so removes or reduces these symptoms.

AQA mark schemes describe withdrawal as an important process within nicotine addiction and identify avoidance of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms as negative reinforcement.

Withdrawal from Gambling

A person reducing gambling may experience psychological symptoms such as:

Restlessness.
Irritability.
Craving.
Preoccupation.
Low mood.
Difficulty enjoying other activities.

Because gambling does not involve consuming an external chemical, its withdrawal pattern is primarily psychological rather than the direct result of eliminating a substance from the body.

Withdrawal Is Not the Same as Tolerance

These concepts are closely related but different.

Tolerance	Withdrawal syndrome
Occurs while repeated use continues	Appears when use is reduced or stopped
The original amount becomes less effective	The absence of the substance or behaviour produces symptoms
Leads to increased amount or intensity	Leads to discomfort and craving
“I need more to get the same effect”	“I feel unwell or distressed when I stop”

A person may experience both, but they should be explained separately.

Withdrawal and Relapse

Relapse occurs when a person returns to the addictive behaviour after attempting to reduce or stop it.

Withdrawal may increase the risk of relapse because:

Symptoms are unpleasant.
Cravings become difficult to resist.
The person knows the addictive behaviour may bring rapid relief.
The person may lack alternative coping strategies.

The behaviour may therefore resume even when the person genuinely wants to stop.

Negative Reinforcement and Withdrawal

What Is Negative Reinforcement?

Negative reinforcement occurs when a behaviour becomes more likely because it removes an unpleasant condition.

In addiction:

The person stops or reduces the addictive behaviour.
Withdrawal symptoms appear.
The person uses the substance or performs the behaviour again.
Withdrawal symptoms decrease.
Relief acts as negative reinforcement.
The addictive behaviour becomes more likely to continue.

The word negative refers to the removal of something unpleasant.

It does not mean punishment.

A Nicotine Example

A smoker becomes irritable and restless after several hours without nicotine. They smoke a cigarette, and the discomfort decreases.

Smoking is the behaviour.
Withdrawal discomfort is the unpleasant condition.
Smoking removes or reduces the discomfort.
The relief negatively reinforces smoking.

AQA’s nicotine mark schemes specifically recognise the avoidance or removal of withdrawal symptoms as a process maintaining addiction.

Positive and Negative Reinforcement

Addiction may begin or continue through both forms of reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement

The substance or behaviour adds something rewarding, such as:

Pleasure.
Excitement.
Euphoria.
Social enjoyment.

Negative reinforcement

The substance or behaviour removes something unpleasant, such as:

Withdrawal.
Stress.
Anxiety.
Craving.
Boredom.

Reinforcement process	Example
Positive reinforcement	Gambling continues because winning produces excitement
Negative reinforcement	Gambling continues because it temporarily removes low mood
Positive reinforcement	Nicotine produces pleasurable effects
Negative reinforcement	Nicotine use removes withdrawal discomfort

These learning processes are developed further in later lessons.

How the Characteristics Work Together

The four characteristics are interconnected.

A possible addiction cycle is:

A substance or behaviour produces pleasure or relief.
The person repeats it.
Physical or psychological dependence develops.
Repeated exposure produces tolerance.
The person increases the amount or intensity.
Attempts to stop produce withdrawal syndrome.
Craving and discomfort increase.
Returning to the substance or behaviour removes the discomfort.
Relief reinforces continued addictive behaviour.

This cycle can be represented as:

Repeated use → dependence → tolerance → increased use → withdrawal when stopping → renewed use → continued dependence

The Cycle Is Not Identical for Everyone

Not every person displays all four characteristics in the same way.

For example:

A smoker may show strong physical and psychological dependence.
A gambler may show strong psychological dependence and tolerance through larger bets.
One person may experience severe withdrawal.
Another may mainly experience craving and irritability.
One person may escalate quickly.
Another may maintain a similar level for longer.

The characteristics describe addiction, but individual patterns vary.

Worked Example: Nicotine Addiction

Consider this scenario:

Tara initially smoked five cigarettes each day and found that this helped her feel relaxed. After several months, five cigarettes no longer have the same effect, and she now smokes fifteen. When she attempts to stop, she becomes irritable, restless and unable to concentrate. She believes that she cannot manage stress without smoking.

Physical dependence

Tara’s discomfort when nicotine is absent suggests that her body has adapted to nicotine.

Psychological dependence

Her belief that she cannot manage stress without smoking shows a perceived emotional need.

Tolerance

Five cigarettes no longer produce the previous effect, so she has increased her consumption to fifteen.

Withdrawal syndrome

Irritability, restlessness and concentration difficulties occur when she stops.

Maintenance

Smoking again may remove the unpleasant symptoms, negatively reinforcing the behaviour.

Worked Example: Gambling Addiction

Consider this scenario:

Daniel used to enjoy placing £5 bets once each weekend. He now gambles daily and says that only bets of £50 or more feel exciting. When he attempts to stop, he becomes restless and spends hours thinking about gambling. He says that gambling is the only activity that helps him escape his worries.

Psychological dependence

Daniel believes that gambling is necessary to escape his worries.

Tolerance

He now requires much larger bets to experience the original excitement.

Withdrawal syndrome

Restlessness and persistent thoughts occur when he attempts to stop.

Physical dependence

The scenario does not provide clear evidence of physiological adaptation to an ingested substance. It would therefore be inaccurate to claim physical dependence from the information given.

Worked Example: Distinguishing Tolerance from Withdrawal

Saira says that one cigarette used to satisfy her, but she now needs three. When she goes without smoking, she becomes anxious and irritable.

Needing three cigarettes rather than one for the same satisfaction is tolerance.
Anxiety and irritability when smoking stops are withdrawal symptoms.

A strong application labels each feature and uses the precise wording from the scenario.

The Importance of Time

The timing of the symptom often helps identify the concept.

During repeated use

Look for:

The same amount producing less effect.
Increasing frequency.
Increasing dose.
Larger bets or greater risk.

This suggests tolerance.

When use is reduced or stopped

Look for:

Physical discomfort.
Irritability.
Anxiety.
Restlessness.
Craving.
Difficulty concentrating.

This suggests withdrawal syndrome.

Across everyday life

Look for:

Beliefs about needing the behaviour.
Emotional reliance.
Persistent craving.
Preoccupation.
Inability to cope without it.

This suggests psychological dependence.

Within bodily functioning

Look for:

Physiological adaptation.
Physical need.
Physical symptoms when the substance is removed.

This suggests physical dependence.

Dependence and Addiction

Dependence is an important part of addiction, but the terms should not be used as exact synonyms.

A person might develop physical dependence on a substance because the body has adapted to repeated use.

Addiction more broadly includes a pattern involving:

Compulsion.
Impaired control.
Continued behaviour.
Harmful consequences.
Dependence.
Tolerance or withdrawal in some cases.

For this AQA lesson, the main task is to explain the four specified characteristics accurately rather than provide a medical diagnosis.

Links to Later Addiction Lessons

These characteristics provide foundations for the rest of the Addiction topic.

Inherited differences that may increase addiction risk [Lesson 2: Genetic vulnerability]
Personality and social factors linked with addiction [Lesson 3: Personality and social influences]
dopamine and the biological maintenance of nicotine use [Lesson 4: Neurochemistry and nicotine addiction]
conditioning, cravings and smoking-related cues [Lesson 5: Learning theory and nicotine addiction]
reinforcement schedules maintaining gambling [Lesson 6: Learning theory and gambling addiction]
biased beliefs involved in gambling behaviour [Lesson 7: Cognitive explanations of gambling addiction]
using medication to reduce addiction [Lesson 8: Drug therapy]
challenging addictive thoughts and behaviour [Lesson 10: Cognitive behaviour therapy]
relapse and movement through stages of change [Lesson 11: Prochaska’s six-stage model]

Overall Summary

The four required characteristics describe different but connected parts of addiction.

Physical dependence occurs when the body adapts to a substance and functions as though it is needed.
Psychological dependence involves a perceived emotional or mental need for the substance or behaviour.
Tolerance means that an increasing amount or intensity is required to obtain the original effect.
Withdrawal syndrome is the collection of physical and psychological symptoms that appears when the addictive behaviour is reduced or stopped.

Together, these processes can create a cycle in which the person increases their behaviour, experiences discomfort when attempting to stop and returns to the behaviour for relief.

Key Words 🔑

Key word	Student-friendly definition	How it may be used in an exam
Addiction	Persistent involvement with a substance or behaviour that is difficult to control despite harmful consequences	Introduce the topic
Substance addiction	Addiction involving consumption of a substance, such as nicotine	Apply physical dependence
Behavioural addiction	Addiction involving a repeated behaviour, such as gambling	Apply psychological dependence and tolerance
Dependence	A state in which the person feels physically or psychologically reliant on a substance or behaviour	Describe continuing addictive behaviour
Physical dependence	Physiological adaptation that produces a physical need for a substance	Explain bodily withdrawal
Psychological dependence	A perceived emotional or cognitive need for a substance or behaviour	Explain craving and reliance
Physiological adaptation	A change in bodily functioning following repeated exposure	Explain physical dependence
Craving	A powerful urge to use a substance or perform a behaviour	Explain psychological dependence
Preoccupation	Persistent thoughts about an addictive substance or activity	Apply psychological dependence
Emotional regulation	Managing emotional states such as stress, boredom or anxiety	Explain why a person believes they need the behaviour
Tolerance	Needing more of a substance or greater behavioural intensity to obtain the original effect	Identify escalation
Escalation	An increase in frequency, amount, duration or intensity	Explain a consequence of tolerance
Withdrawal syndrome	A collection of unpleasant symptoms appearing when use is reduced or stopped	Describe difficulty quitting
Physical withdrawal	Bodily symptoms following reduction or cessation	Apply physical dependence
Psychological withdrawal	Emotional and cognitive symptoms following reduction or cessation	Apply both substance and behavioural addiction
Negative reinforcement	Behaviour increasing because it removes an unpleasant condition	Explain relief from withdrawal
Positive reinforcement	Behaviour increasing because it produces a rewarding consequence	Explain pleasure or excitement
Relapse	Returning to addictive behaviour after an attempt to stop	Explain a possible result of withdrawal
Maintenance	Continuation of addictive behaviour over time	Explain the role of dependence and withdrawal
Individual differences	Variation between people in how addiction develops and appears	Avoid assuming identical symptoms

Hints from the Examiner Reports 💡

Learn Four Separate Definitions

Examiner hint: Treat physical dependence, psychological dependence, tolerance and withdrawal syndrome as separate terms.

Do not write one general paragraph stating that:

An addicted person needs more and feels bad without it.

Break the answer down and explain exactly:

What the body needs.
What the person believes or feels they need.
Why the amount increases.
What happens when the behaviour stops.

Use the Phrase “Same Effect” for Tolerance

A strong definition is:

Tolerance occurs when the person requires an increased amount or intensity to achieve the same effect that was previously produced by less.

AQA’s nicotine mark scheme specifically links repeated use with needing more nicotine to produce the same effect.

Use the Word “Syndrome” Accurately

Withdrawal syndrome is not one symptom.

It is a collection of symptoms that may include:

Physical discomfort.
Psychological distress.
Craving.
Irritability.
Restlessness.

Distinguish Dependence from Withdrawal

Dependence is the state of reliance.
Withdrawal is the response when the substance or behaviour is reduced or stopped.

Do not use the terms interchangeably.

Apply Timing Clues

Look closely at when the experience occurs.

“Needs a greater amount” indicates tolerance.
“Feels unwell when stopping” indicates withdrawal.
“Believes they cannot cope without it” indicates psychological dependence.
“The body has adapted to the substance” indicates physical dependence.

Explain Negative Reinforcement

Do not write:

Withdrawal negatively affects the person.

Negative reinforcement has a specific meaning:

Returning to the addictive behaviour removes unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, so the behaviour becomes more likely to continue.

AQA mark schemes recognise relief from withdrawal as negative reinforcement in nicotine addiction.

Apply Gambling Carefully

Gambling addiction can involve:

Psychological dependence.
Tolerance through increasing stakes or risk.
Psychological withdrawal symptoms.

Do not automatically claim physical dependence where there is no substance producing physiological adaptation.

Avoid Unsupported Symptom Lists

Symptoms differ according to the substance, behaviour and individual.

Use examples to illustrate the concept rather than claiming that everyone experiences an identical withdrawal pattern.

Explain the Relationship Between the Concepts

A strong extended response may use a connected sequence:

Repeated use can lead to dependence and tolerance. When the person attempts to stop, withdrawal symptoms occur. Returning to the behaviour removes the symptoms, negatively reinforcing continued addiction.

Use Specialist Terminology Precisely

Useful terms include:

Physiological adaptation.
Craving.
Escalation.
Negative reinforcement.
Relapse.
Maintenance.

Precision matters more than producing a very long list of symptoms.

Examiner-Report Availability

How to improve:

Treat the forms of dependence as different, not as real and unreal.

Mistake 15

Mistake: Claiming that the addictive behaviour always continues because it is pleasurable.

Why this is incomplete:

After dependence develops, the person may continue to avoid withdrawal or distress.

How to improve:

Distinguish obtaining pleasure from obtaining relief.

Exam-Style Questions ✍️

Question 1

What is meant by physical dependence? [2 marks]

Question 2

What is meant by psychological dependence? [2 marks]

Question 3

Explain tolerance as a characteristic of addiction. [2 marks]

Question 4

Outline withdrawal syndrome. [3 marks]

Question 5

Explain one difference between physical dependence and psychological dependence. [4 marks]

Question 6

Maya says:

“I used to smoke five cigarettes each day, but now I need fifteen to feel the same. When I try to stop, I become restless and irritable. I also feel that I cannot deal with stress unless I smoke.”

Use your knowledge of addiction to explain Maya’s comments. [6 marks]

Question 7

Owen used to place £2 bets once a week. He now gambles every day and says that only bets of £30 or more feel exciting. When he tries to stop, he becomes restless and cannot stop thinking about gambling.

Explain two characteristics of addiction shown by Owen. [4 marks]

Question 8

The table shows the number of cigarettes smoked daily by a person over a period of repeated nicotine use.

Time	Cigarettes smoked each day
Month 1	10
Month 6	16

Calculate the percentage increase in daily cigarette consumption. Explain how this result might be consistent with tolerance. [4 marks]

Question 9

Explain how withdrawal syndrome may maintain addictive behaviour through negative reinforcement. [4 marks]

Question 10

Describe physical dependence, psychological dependence, tolerance and withdrawal syndrome as characteristics of addiction. [8 marks]

Answers and Mark Scheme

Question 1

Award one mark for each of the following:

The body or physiological system has adapted to the repeated presence of a substance.
The substance appears necessary for normal functioning, and reducing it may produce physical withdrawal symptoms.

Maximum: 2 marks

Question 2

Award one mark for each of the following:

The person experiences an emotional or cognitive need for the substance or behaviour.
This may involve craving, preoccupation or believing that they cannot cope without it.

Maximum: 2 marks

Question 3

Award marks as follows:

One mark for stating that the original amount or intensity produces a reduced effect after repeated use.
One mark for explaining that a greater amount or intensity is therefore needed to achieve the same effect.

Maximum: 2 marks

Question 4

Award one mark for each relevant point, up to three marks:

Withdrawal syndrome occurs when an addictive substance or behaviour is reduced or stopped.
It is a collection of symptoms rather than one symptom.
Symptoms may be physical.
Symptoms may be psychological.
Relevant examples include craving, irritability, anxiety, restlessness or physical discomfort.

Question 5

Award up to four marks for an explicit distinction.

Possible answer:

Physical dependence involves physiological adaptation to an addictive substance. The body comes to function as though the substance is needed, and physical withdrawal symptoms may appear when it is removed. Psychological dependence involves an emotional or cognitive need, such as believing that the substance or behaviour is necessary for relaxation or coping. Psychological dependence can occur in both substance and behavioural addictions.

Question 6

Award up to six marks for effective application:

Increasing from five to fifteen cigarettes is evidence of escalation.
Maya needs more nicotine to obtain the same effect.
This demonstrates tolerance.
Restlessness and irritability occur when she stops.
These are withdrawal symptoms.
The symptoms may indicate physical or psychological dependence.
Her belief that she cannot cope with stress without smoking demonstrates psychological dependence.
Smoking may remove withdrawal discomfort.
This relief could negatively reinforce continued smoking.

A full-mark response should apply at least three relevant characteristics accurately.

Question 7

Award up to two marks for tolerance:

Owen now requires much larger bets.
The larger bets are needed to produce the excitement previously obtained from £2.
This is tolerance through increasing behavioural intensity.

Award up to two marks for psychological dependence or withdrawal:

Restlessness when stopping is a psychological withdrawal symptom.
Persistent thoughts show craving or preoccupation.
Owen may be psychologically dependent on gambling.

Do not credit physical dependence unless it is supported by appropriate physiological evidence.

Question 8

Award up to two marks for the correct calculation:

Increase=16−10=6Percentage increase=106×100=60%

Daily cigarette consumption increased by 60%.

Award up to two marks for explanation:

The person is consuming a greater amount after repeated use.
This may indicate that the original amount no longer produces the same effect.
A higher nicotine intake may therefore be required to obtain the previous effect.
The figures alone are consistent with tolerance but do not prove it because the person’s experienced effect has not been measured.

Question 9

Award one mark for each relevant linked point, up to four marks:

Reducing or stopping the addictive behaviour produces unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
The person returns to the substance or behaviour.
Returning removes or reduces the unpleasant symptoms.
Removal of an unpleasant condition is negative reinforcement.
The relief makes future addictive behaviour more likely.
The process therefore maintains the addiction.

Question 10

A high-level response should contain accurate descriptions of all four characteristics.

Indicative content

Physical dependence

Physiological adaptation to an addictive substance.
The body functions as though the substance is needed.
Physical symptoms may occur when it is removed.

Psychological dependence

Emotional or cognitive reliance.
Craving or preoccupation.
Belief that the substance or behaviour is necessary for coping, relief or enjoyment.

Tolerance

Reduced effect from the original amount or intensity.
Increasing amounts, frequency or risk are needed to obtain the same effect.

Withdrawal syndrome

Collection of symptoms following reduction or cessation.
May include physical and psychological symptoms.
Can motivate renewed engagement with the addictive behaviour.

Seven to eight marks: All four characteristics are described accurately and in reasonable detail. Relationships between the concepts may be explained, and specialist terminology is used effectively.

Five to six marks: Most characteristics are described accurately, although one may lack detail or clarity.

Three to four marks: Some relevant knowledge is present, but the response may confuse tolerance, dependence and withdrawal.

One to two marks: Knowledge is very limited. Terms may be named with little accurate explanation.