Jekaterina takes an illegal drug. At first, she only took the drug a couple of times a week, but she now takes the drug daily. She finds that she needs to take twice as much of the illegal drug compared to when she first took it in order to feel the same effects. When she does not take the drug Jekaterina often gets severe headaches. She now thinks that she cannot cope with her stressful job if she does not take the illegal drug. Discuss issues around drug taking with reference to Jekaterina's drug use. You must make reference to the context in your answer.

A-Level AQA Psychology The Physiology of Stress: Jekaterina takes an illegal drug

Jekaterina takes an illegal drug - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 17 - 2022 - Paper 2

Question 17

Jekaterina takes an illegal drug. At first, she only took the drug a couple of times a week, but she now takes the drug daily. She finds that she needs to take twice... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Jekaterina takes an illegal drug - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 17 - 2022 - Paper 2

Step 1

Define Physical Dependence on Drugs

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Answer

A person is considered physically dependent on a drug when they have developed tolerance and experience withdrawal symptoms. Tolerance occurs when the body adapts to the drug, requiring increased amounts to achieve the same effect as initially experienced.

Step 2

Address Jekaterina's Tolerance and Dependency

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Answer

Jekaterina exhibits signs of physical dependence. Initially taking the drug occasionally, her need to now consume it daily indicates that she has built up a tolerance. She must take twice as much to feel the same effects she did at the beginning.

Step 3

Withdrawal Symptoms Experienced by Jekaterina

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Answer

When Jekaterina does not take the drug, she experiences severe headaches and other physical symptoms associated with withdrawal. This suggests her body has become accustomed to the drug, making cessation difficult and uncomfortable.

Step 4

Discuss Psychological Dependence

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Answer

Jekaterina's belief that she cannot cope with her stressful job without the drug indicates psychological dependence. This condition occurs when an individual feels they cannot manage daily life or stress without the substance, further complicating her relationship with drug use.

Jekaterina takes an illegal drug - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 17 - 2022 - Paper 2

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Jekaterina takes an illegal drug - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 17 - 2022 - Paper 2

Define Physical Dependence on Drugs

Address Jekaterina's Tolerance and Dependency

Withdrawal Symptoms Experienced by Jekaterina

Discuss Psychological Dependence

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