Contributions of negative reinforcement processes to compulsive drug use

Abstract

Addictive drugs such as opiate can produce physical dependence after a very small number of doses. consequently, to stave off or alleviate the withdrawal distress precipitated by dependence, the addicted person resort to self- drug administration. however, the withdrawal relief theory of drug addiction posits that an aversive condition is terminated by drug administration. this model explains the negative reinforcement processes of addiction. concisely, the present review examined the major tenets of negative reinforcement theories of addiction and the way the tenets contribute to compulsive drug use. this is supported by a body of theoretical and empirical evidence substantiating the contribution of negative reinforcement processes in drug motivation.

IFE PsychologIA Vol. 13(2) 2005: 183-195