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Analysis of Carl’s smoking behavior

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Analysis of Carl’s smoking behavior

According to the case study illustrated, the statements indicate that Carl is going through

substance use addiction. In this case, he is addicted to smoking. The information also shows that

Carl's enjoys smoking and his pass-time activity with other colleagues. The information provided

indicates that he keeps relapsing every two weeks despite his efforts to try and quit smoking.

Both Carl and his father are addicted to smoking cigarettes. After his father's diagnosis with

smoking related cancer, Carl really wants to support his father, but he is afraid he may relapse as

well. The case study shows that their family doctor has advised a buddy system to try quitting

together. Their addiction is likely related to classical conditioning hence the repeated relapse. In

Carl's situation, nicotine found in cigarettes is the unconditioned stimulus that causes the

relaxing effect. Nicotine reaches the brain within seconds of smoking and improves mood, and

decreases anger and stress. Carl is likely to be going through stressful conditions at work hence

his repeated smoking during the break with his colleagues. Nicotine creates an immediate

relaxing effect hence smokers like Carl believe it reduces stress and anxiety.

Classical conditioning.

Addiction like Carl's can be hard to break as many situations trigger relapses. Classical

conditioning was developed to predict that it is likely to result in a conditioned response by

repeatedly using motivational stimuli and a particular signal. This theory predicts that drug-

related stimuli can be replaced with other rewarding aspects. Carl can use different sensory cues

such as specific music or cinnamon scents as a change inhabits. Research shows that users have a

greater urge to smoke when exposed to cues while smoking and a reduced rate for non-smoking.

For Carl to change his habits, he needs to associate with cues and scents related to non-smoking.
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Carl should also practice reduced stress as increased stress levels can trigger smoking and

relapses. He should opt for healthy ways to relieve stress like running and working out. Classical

conditioning may involve a reduction of the frequency of cigarette intake. Research shows that

practicing a constant reduction of the cigarette intake each day can eventually help in quitting.

Carl can apply the same principle in his life to help in quitting (Vinci et al., 2020)

Voluntary behavior is also known as operant behavior and operates in the environment.

Voluntary behavior is learned through the existing environmental factors. The involuntary

response, on the other hand, is actions that occur without conscious control. They are also

referred to as reflexes. In the case of Carl, his smoking habits are voluntary as he is conscious of

his actions. Furthermore, he is influenced by the surrounding environment, that is, his colleagues

(Baumeister, 2017).

Factors that can hinder or facilitate classical conditioning in Carl’s situation

From the case study, Carl mainly smokes when he is at work with his colleagues.

Quitting using classical conditioning may prove difficult because Carl is surrounded by smoking

cues that his colleagues face. In a situation where his work conditions are stressful, Carl may find

it difficult to quit as smoking helps him relax. Using the buddy system as a non-smoking cue

may, however, be useful in quitting. Since his father is also trying to stop smoking, the two can

act as non-smoking cues for each other. It is also possible for Carl to stop having smoking

friends focus solely on work.

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References

Baumeister, R. F. (2017). Addiction, cigarette smoking, and voluntary control of action: Do

cigarette smokers lose their free will?. Addictive behaviors reports, 5, 67-84.

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Vinci, C., Brandon, K. O., Kleinjan, M., Hernandez, L. M., Sawyer, L. E., Haneke, J., ... &

Brandon, T. H. (2020). Augmented Reality for Smoking Cessation: Development and

Usability Study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 8(12), e21643.