The effect of economy type on demand and preference for cocaine and saccharin in rats

Addiction can be conceptualized as persistent choice of drugs over non-drug alternatives (Ahmed, 2010; Heyman, 2009; Rachlin, 1997). Choice is determined by the value of the reinforcers available (Rachlin, 1992). Understanding why, in some individuals or situations, the value of drug reinforcers surpasses that of non-drug alternatives could help explain addiction and provide clues for potential treatment strategies. The present study investigated, within an animal model, how one potential determinant of reinforcer value – economy type – affected the value of cocaine and a non-drug alternative reinforcer.
Source: Drug and Alcohol Dependence - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: Full length article Source Type: research