Rachel suffers from alcohol addiction - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 17 - 2018 - Paper 2

One biological explanation for Rachel's alcohol addiction involves the role of neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin and GABA. Alcohol is known to act as a depressant in the brain, which leads to various physiological responses.

Firstly, alcohol consumption inhibits serotonin production, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. Lower levels of serotonin can lead to feelings of depression, which may explain why Rachel feels unwell when she doesn't drink in the morning. This negative feeling can drive her to seek alcohol as a means to alleviate her discomfort and return to a state of normalcy.

Additionally, alcohol increases GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) activity, which acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA dampens the activity of neurons, leading to calming effects. In Rachel’s case, this increased GABA activity reinforces her dependence on alcohol, making her need for a drink more pronounced to feel 'normal'. Her parents' history of alcohol addiction also suggests genetic predispositions that may further exacerbate her condition, causing Rachel to be more susceptible to addiction due to inherited biological factors.

In summary, the interplay of serotonin and GABA levels in Rachel's brain contributes to her alcohol addiction, influenced further by her familial history and the psychological need to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and discomfort.