title: A test of Wikler's theory of relapse: the frequency of relapse due to conditioned withdrawal sickness.
abstract: Wikler's theory of relapse was assessed by asking street addicts whether they had ever experienced conditioned withdrawal sickness during abstinence, and whether they had taken drugs and ultimately relapsed as a result. Of 40 addicts who had at least one period of abstinence outside of an institution, 11 (27.5%) reported having experienced symptoms of conditioned withdrawal. Even among the 11, however, conditioned withdrawal occurred infrequently, and the sickness was mild. Only two addicts took opiates as a result, and one relapsed. Conditioned withdrawal sickness therefore appears to be but a minor cause of relapse.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003214:Conditioning, Classical; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008297:Male; D008396:Maryland; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D012008:Recurrence; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs