Opiate reinforcement processes: re-assembling multiple mechanisms.
Opiate reinforcement processes can be described within the context of operant conditioning theory. Both positive and negative reinforcing effects may motivate drug-taking behavior, although the strongest evidence attributes drug-taking to a simple positive reinforcement process. Empirical research has focused largely on a positive reinforcement mechanism involving the ventral tegmental dopamine system, but three additional reinforcement mechanisms can be argued on logical grounds. These other mechanisms involve neuroadaptive changes produced by chronic opiate administration and may contribute to the strong motivational impact of opiates following long-term drug use.
Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo 14260-4110.
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Bozarth
D000818:Animals; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003216:Conditioning, Operant / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D004298:Dopamine / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D010286:Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D013681:Tegmentum Mesencephali / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology
D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D004298:Dopamine