Assessment of the relative reinforcement value of smoking and drinking using a multiple-choice measurement strategy.
To examine the relative reinforcement value of smoking and drinking, separately and in combination, a multiple-choice questionnaire was administered to 78 individuals seeking outpatient treatment for concurrent tobacco and alcohol dependence. Participants made choices between pairs of substances and then between each substance and a series of monetary values. Results demonstrated that the combination (one cigarette and one drink) was preferred over each individual substance. The mean crossover monetary points for a cigarette (8.1 US dollars) and a drink (10.8 US dollars) were significantly lower than for the combination (13.75 US dollars). Correlational analyses revealed positive associations between drug reinforcement values and dependence-related measures. The utility of this measurement strategy in understanding and treating polydrug use is discussed.
Schmitz
Joy A
JA
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, U.T. Mental Sciences Institute, University of Texas Medical School, Houston TX 77030, USA. joy.m.schmitz@uth.tmc.edu
Sayre
Shelly L
SL
Hokanson
Patricia S
PS
Spiga
Ralph
R
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D005382:Financing, Personal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D011594:Psychometrics; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000523:psychology*