A conditioning reinterpretation of cognitive events in alcohol and drug cue exposure.
Cue exposure treatments of alcohol and substance abuse disorders are based on a classical conditioning model of drug use and relapse. Recently, social learning theory has been utilized to explain the relationship of cognitive constructs (i.e., self-efficacy, outcome expectations) to measures of cue reactivity. However, social learning theory has not provided clear and testable mechanisms by which cognitions influence behavior. This paper proposes a mechanism, based on principles of classical conditioning, whereby cognitions may influence reactivity to alcohol and drug cues. This view of cognitions within a conditioning framework has several important implications for cue exposure research and treatment.
Bradizza
C M
CM
Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912.
Stasiewicz
P R
PR
Maisto
S A
SA
D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003071:Cognition; D003214:Conditioning, Classical; D003463:Cues; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D012008:Recurrence; D012649:Self Concept; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation