Learning Explanation Of Substance Abuse

Question 1

Evaluate in terms of positive reinforcement

Answer 1

Positive reinforcement can explain substance misuse even when the user is aware of the consequences. The risks of withdrawal or death are long term, while positive reinforcement is short term so the user is more powerfully affected by these immediate rewards.

Question 2

Evaluate in terms of negative reinforcement

Answer 2

Negative reinforcement can explain maintenance. Users may be negatively reinforced to continue drug taking to avoid the horrible withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and anxiety.

Question 3

Evaluate in terms of immediate positive reinforcement

Answer 3

Immediate positive reinforcements come with drugs as when heroin is injected or smoked it passes very quickly into the brain and has an immediate positive feeling. The user is then positively reinforced as they immediately associate drug taking with positive feelings