Marcus is addicted to codeine, a prescription opioid painkiller, just like his older brother. When Marcus was younger, he observed his brother take the medicine after a sports injury. His brother was often highly stressed and in pain until he took the liquid, which immediately made him look relaxed and stress-free.
When Marcus first tried codeine, he felt a warm, euphoric glow and a complete escape from academic stress. He started taking it every Friday night in his bedroom while listening to a specific ambient playlist, and now he feels an overwhelming urge to take codeine whenever that playlist starts playing. He also notices that he now needs three times the initial dose to get the same feeling of relaxation.
Additionally, Marcus hangs out with a group at university who regularly share codeine-infused drinks at parties; they mock those who refuse and praise Marcus when he brings premium cough syrups. If Marcus tries to go a few days without codeine, he experiences severe muscle aches and intense irritability.
Discuss how far one learning explanation can account for Marcus's addiction to codeine.
You must make reference to the context in your answer.
Practise Edexcel A Level Psychology Content with exam-style questions for A Level Psychology. 1,059 questions covering Biological explanations of crime, Social explanations of crime, Cognitive and ethical interview techniques, Psychological formulation of offending, Cognitive-behavioural treatment for offenders, Biological treatment for offenders, Factors influencing eye-witness testimony, Factors influencing jury decision-making, Individual differences, and Developmental psychology, matched to the Edexcel A Level Psychology (9PS0) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
