PSY 3109 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1-14: Reward System, Drug Withdrawal, Incentive Salience
21 Apr 2016
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Document Summary
Positive reinforcement motivates drug use through the pleasure/euphoria it creates. Negative reinforcement motivates drug use through the relief of withdrawal symptoms. Drug-seeking behavior and use is motivated by negative reinforcement because it reduces withdrawal-generated negative affect (according to the affective model of negative reinforcement. Repeated drug use allows addicts to be sensitive to the symptoms that predict withdrawal); withdrawal symptoms are associated with craving. The intensity of negative affect increases with the duration of absintence, and there is greater relief from negative affect. Opponent-process theory: initial reaction produced by the drug, which is counteracted by a negative process. The initial process is positive and wears off quickly while the opponent process counteracts the disruptive effect of a drug reaction by attempting to restore homeostasis. The negative process lasts much longer and can result in craving. Incentive sensitization theory: explains drug addiction by separating wanting a drug from liking it.
