Controlled Alcoholic Drinking

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Abstract
Two male chronic alcoholic patients were exposed to a procedure which provided differential reinforcement for low rate operant responding for alcohol reinforcement. One subject with corroborated brain dysfunction showed slow rates of learning, variability, and inefficiency, while the other showed rapid learning to maximal levels of efficiency. Clinical outcome data revealed controlled drinking in the slow learner and binge drinking in the rapid learner. This apparent paradox may have been predicted by operant rates at the end of treatment.