Drug Addiction: I. A Theoretical Framework for Behavior Therapy

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Abstract
Literature on drug treatment efficacy consistently shows a disappointing 10 to 20% recovery rate which may suggest a Hawthorne-like effect. Contrary to the pessimism resulting from poor treatment outcomes, however, are the findings reported from animal morphine addiction experimentation. A learning theory framework of drug addiction is presented and findings from animal addiction studies are used to demonstrate the possible usefulness of learning theory in accounting for development of tolerance, abstinence, and relapse and are suggestive of the over-all value of learning theory as an alternative explanation of drug addiction. Such a sociopsychological formulation of drug addiction would have significant implications in terms of more systematic and individualized treatment intervention procedures. Additionally, treatment procedures would be directly related to theory and demonstrated laboratory results and thus, have a higher probability of success and accountability.

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