Effects of extinction context and retrieval cues on renewal of alcohol-cue reactivity among alcohol-dependent outpatients.
Pavlovian conditioning models have led to cue-exposure treatments for drug abuse. However, conditioned responding to drug stimuli can return (be renewed) following treatment. Animal research and a previous study of social drinkers indicated that extinction is highly context dependent but that renewal could be reduced by the inclusion of a cue from the extinction context. This study extends this research to a clinical sample. Alcohol-dependent outpatients (N = 143) completed an extinction trial to reduce craving and salivation responses to alcohol cues. They were then randomized to renewal tests in either the same context as extinction, a different context, the different context containing an extinction cue, or the different context with cue plus a manipulation to increase the salience of the cue. Contrary to predictions, the different context did not produce the expected renewal effect. Although the generalization of extinction effects beyond the cue-exposure context is a positive clinical finding, it is inconsistent with basic research findings on the context dependence of extinction. Possible explanations for this inconsistency are discussed.
Stasiewicz
Paul R
PR
Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, NY 14203, USA. stasiewi@ria.buffalo.edu
Brandon
Thomas H
TH
Bradizza
Clara M
CM
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001143:Arousal; D003214:Conditioning, Classical; D003463:Cues; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic; D005108:Extinction, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D010045:Outpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012931:Social Environment; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers