Lecture 4 - theories Flashcards
Reciprocal Determinism (Albert Bandura, 1977):
This theory suggests that behavior is influenced by:
- the interaction of personal factors
- the environment
- the behavior itself. It emphasizes that individuals are not just passive recipients of environmental influences, but also active agents who shape their environment.
A person’s addictive behavior might be influenced by both their social environment (e.g., peer pressure) and their internal factors (e.g., stress or anxiety). At the same time, their behavior (e.g., drug use) can change the social environment, creating a cycle.
Classical Conditioning in Addiction
- two kinds of physiological change
This theory states that neutral stimuli can become associated with drug use and trigger cravings. Over time, these cues—such as a specific location or paraphernalia—can cause physiological changes opposite to the drug’s effects, driving the craving.
If someone regularly uses alcohol in a certain environment, simply being in that environment can trigger cravings for alcohol, even if the person hasn’t consumed any.
Operant Conditioning in Addiction
People become addicted to substances because of the positive reinforcement they initially experience (e.g., pleasure or euphoria) and continue using to avoid negative consequences (e.g., withdrawal symptoms), which is negative reinforcement.
A person starts smoking because it relieves stress (positive reinforcement) and continues because stopping would cause irritability and cravings (negative reinforcement).
Rational Choice Theory in Addiction
This theory posits that individuals weigh the immediate benefits of substance use against its long-term consequences. Addiction is seen as a rational decision based on the immediate payoff versus future harm.
Someone might decide to drink alcohol even knowing the long-term risks because the immediate pleasure or stress relief outweighs concerns about potential health issues down the line.
Contingency Management
This behavioral approach suggests that substance use is contingent upon access to alternative reinforcers. People are less likely to engage in addictive behavior if they have access to meaningful rewards in their environment.
A person may stop drinking if they find fulfilling social activities that don’t involve alcohol, reducing the need for substance use as a form of reward.
Reciprocal determinism
- in the context of addiction
In the context of addiction, this means that an individual’s substance use is shaped by internal factors like stress or emotional struggles (personal factors), external pressures like peer influence or availability of substances (environmental factors), and the addictive behavior itself, which can further reinforce both the internal and external conditions.
a person may start drinking alcohol to relieve stress (personal factor). If their social environment (environmental factor) supports this behavior, such as attending parties where alcohol is readily available, the drinking behavior reinforces both the stress relief and social acceptance. Over time, this creates a cycle where internal emotional needs, external social cues, and the behavior of drinking become interconnected, maintaining the addiction.
rational choice theory
- context of addiciton
Rational Choice Theory in the context of alcohol addiction suggests that individuals make decisions about alcohol consumption by weighing the perceived benefits (e.g., pleasure or stress relief) against the potential costs (e.g., health risks). However, in cases of addiction, decision-making may become impaired, leading to a prioritization of short-term rewards over long-term consequences. This shift often results in continued drinking despite negative outcomes.
A person may continue drinking heavily to cope with stress, despite experiencing health issues or relationship problems, because the immediate relief outweighs the long-term risks in their mind.
Rational choice theory
- limitations
While rational choice theory explains why people might initially choose to use substances, it doesn’t account for the complexities of addiction, where rational decision-making becomes impaired.
individuals with addiction often continue to use substances despite knowing the severe negative consequences. This can be due to changes in brain function caused by prolonged substance use, which impairs judgment and decision-making. Additionally, cravings and withdrawal symptoms may overpower the individual’s ability to make rational decisions, making the theory too simplistic for understanding long-term addiction.
Stigma
- effect on behavior:
1. feelings of themselves
2. Results of these feelings
3. impact on seeking treatment
Stigma can cause individuals with substance use disorders to internalize these negative views, leading to self-stigma.
This often exacerbates feelings of hopelessness, learned helplessness, and further substance use, as they may feel unworthy or incapable of change.
Stigma can also prevent people from seeking help, as they fear being judged or discriminated against by healthcare providers or society.
Stigma
- effect on treatment
Stigma reduces the effectiveness of treatment interventions because it may discourage individuals from accessing care or fully engaging with the treatment process.
People may be reluctant to disclose the extent of their addiction or may avoid programs due to fear of judgment.
Furthermore, healthcare professionals may unconsciously treat individuals with addiction differently, providing less empathy or support, which can undermine the therapeutic relationship and overall treatment outcomes.
Contingency management
is a behavioral therapy that uses positive reinforcement to encourage individuals to abstain from substance use. In this approach, individuals receive tangible rewards (such as vouchers, cash, or privileges) for achieving specific goals, such as staying sober or attending therapy sessions. The idea is that by providing alternative rewards, the person is less motivated to seek the immediate gratification that comes from substance use.
Contingency management
- pro’s (2)
Effective reinforcement: Contingency management has been shown to be effective in promoting abstinence and reducing relapse, especially in individuals who struggle with strong cravings and lack alternative rewards in their lives.
Immediate feedback: The rewards are immediate, which aligns with the need for short-term gratification that often drives substance use.
Contingency management
- 2 limitations
Sustainability: The long-term effectiveness of contingency management is uncertain. Once the rewards stop, individuals may return to substance use if they have not developed intrinsic motivation or alternative coping mechanisms.
Costs and practicality: Providing ongoing rewards can be costly and may not be feasible in all treatment settings. It can also be challenging to design programs that provide meaningful incentives for every individual.
