Reducing Addiction (AQA A Level Psychology): Exam Questions

Exam code: 7182

Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2025

First exams 2027

21 mins4 questions
1a
1 mark

Warren is addicted to gambling. In the evening he plays poker on the computer. He has recently started to attend Bettsoff gambling recovery centre. At the centre, staff aim to change how people think about their addictive behaviour. They also promote coping skills and alternative ways of behaving so addicts are less likely to fall back into their gambling habit.

Which therapy for addiction relies on changing the way the person thinks about his or her addictive behaviour?

1b
4 marks

Referring to your answer to part (a), describe what the staff at the centre might do to help Warren’s gambling addiction.

1c
2 marks

Outline one limitation of the way of reducing addiction you have described in your answer to part (b).

1
4 marks

Bertie is talking about his addiction to chocolate.

Bertie says, “I can’t stop eating chocolate. I just need more and more. Eating chocolate gives me such a great feeling. I get comfy on the sofa then stuff myself with chocolate till I feel all warm and happy. I’m spending so much money on chocolate, I don’t know what to do.”

Explain how covert sensitisation could be used to treat Bertie’s addiction.

2
4 marks

Briefly outline one method for reducing addiction and explain one limitation of this method.

1
6 marks

Outline one strength and one limitation of covert sensitisation as a way of reducing addiction.