Compulsive Drug-Related Behavior/Classical Condition

American University, Washington DC

Investigators

Abstract

The goal of the proposed research is to identify variables related to classical conditioning that may contribute to the rapid escalation and compulsivity of drug-taking and drug-seeking behavior observed in human drug abusers. The first of the proposed experiments will examine the ability of drug-associated stimuli to attract the organism and elicit approach and contact behavior. This experiment will explore the variables relevant to producing auto shaping (Brown & Jenkins, 1968) with cocaine as the reinforcer. A second experiment will determine the extent to which behavior elicited by drug-associated stimuli is compulsive and insensitive to instrumental contingencies. An omission training procedure (e.g., Williams & Williams, 1969) will be used where approaching and contacting the drug-paired stimulus results in a loss of reinforcement. A third experiment will examine the ability of behavior elicited by drug-associated stimuli to enhance rates of drug-seeking and drug-taking behavior. This will be accomplished by using a behavioral contrast procedure (Reynolds, 196 1), where responding will be maintained by cocaine self-administration.