Nicotine and Teenagers: Classically Addicted

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 Elisabeth Jacoby


You all probably know the severity of nicotine addictions in the younger population- what if before the addictive chemical hits the brain the addiction is already prevalent.  Classical conditioning works in interesting ways; there is an unconditioned stimulus(US) producing an unconditioned response(UR) all while the neutral stimuli(NS) is paired with an unhealthy addiction.  The nicotine(US) causes the body to feel relaxed(UR).  The flavor and color of the bubblegum vape(NS), "looking cool" is paired with the nicotine.  


Nicotine addictions in teens are shaped by the associations built due to classical conditioning, alongside the addictive chemical.  A conditioned stimulus leads to a conditioned response.  In this sense the flavor and color of the vape or maybe the people who they vape with(CS) provide a stronger craving/urge to indulge when they face these stimuli.  


In an article I read it states, "When an addicted teen tries to quit nicotine, the problem of cravings is of course tied to the drug that causes the dopamine rush...studies have shown that "environmental cues, especially those associated with drug use, can change dopamine concentrations in the brain...means that simply seeing a person you vape with, or visiting a school restroom—where teens say they vape during the school day—can unleash intense cravings"(Raven, 2019).


Classical conditioning can apply to emotional learning as well.  It is crucial to be aware of conditioning in addictions.  Negative habitual acts can form quickly and be very difficult to break.  Focusing on breaking associations and classical conditioning acts may be more effective than simply telling them to quit. 


Raven, Kathleen. “Nicotine Addiction from Vaping Is a Bigger Problem than Teens Realize.” 

    Yale Medicine, 19 Mar. 2019, www.yalemedicine.org/news/vaping-nicotine-addiction. 


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