Habitual drug seeking

Question 1

Habit theory (Everitt & Robbins)

Answer 1

Drug seeking starts out as goal-directed, but shifts to habit.

Question 2

Law of effect

Answer 2

Habits are formed when behavior is followed by reward or absence of expected negative event (S-R)

Question 3

Goal-directed action

Answer 3

When performance is mediated by representation of causal relationship between action and outcome (cognitive)

and by representation of the current goal or incentive value of the outcome (motivational)

Question 4

Habit

Answer 4

Instrumental responses that are triggered by stimuli and to not depend on the current motivation for the outcome of the behavior.

Question 5

Ideas central to the habit theory

Answer 5

1. There are individual differences in the tendency to form dominant habits. W strong tendency the perspon is vulnerable to develop an addiction.
2. Drugs are extremely strong reinforcers of S-R habits
3. Drugs lead to structural changes in the brain that lead to stronger tendency to rely on habitual control.

Question 6

Indirect evidence for habits

Answer 6

Cue reactivity
Self-report

Question 7

Experimental questions tested w outcome-devaluation

Answer 7

Do drugs have an acute effect on goal directed action (no strong outcome devaluation in alcohol group)

Does drug seeking become habitual (Long training w DLS inactivation shows goal-directed control, wo shows non-devalued)

Is habit formation accelerated for drug rewards (less lever pressing in food devaluation compared to alcohol devaluation)

Does SU lead to tendency to fall back on habits (slips-of-action task increased in addicts. Turn to animal research to check whether its conseq or cause. Chronic alc exp led to habit behavior)

Are drug habits compulsive (Lever press w cocaine reward, later added a shock. After moderate training, still pressed lever w shock.