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State-dependent learning and its implications for treatment of drug abusers

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Abstract

The potential relevance of laboratory demonstrations of state-dependent learning are discussed in relation to (1) the process-of-becoming-addicted, (2) treatment of the addict, and (3) taking prescribed medications. A functional analysis of drug-taking behavior as an approach to understanding both state-dependent effects and drug-taking in general is presented. Some addicts or potential addicts may take drugs to gain access to responses learned while in a drug state. To insure that addicts do not escape from newly-learned, albeit fear-laden social skills, it may be necessary to progressively punish actual drug-taking behaviors, while strengthening the new social behaviors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Drug Dependence Treatment Center at the Veterans Administration Hospital, 84113, Salt Lake City, Utah

    Steven M. Ross Ph.D. (Chief) &  Carl W. Schwartz B.A. (a research associate)

  2. Psychiatry, University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City

    Steven M. Ross Ph.D. (Chief)

Authors
  1. Steven M. Ross Ph.D.
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  2. Carl W. Schwartz B.A.
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Ross, S.M., Schwartz, C.W. State-dependent learning and its implications for treatment of drug abusers. Psych Quar 48, 368–373 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01562159

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01562159

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