Abstract
Examines the literature on drug dependence from a behavioral viewpoint. Dependence on drugs and alcohol results from an interaction between the individual and the substance within precipitating environmental conditions. Animals and humans self-administer the same drugs, suggesting the biological normality of chemical dependency and the value of laboratory research on the generation and alleviation of such dependencies. Functional or behavioral toxicity can be a serious social problem, and research is needed on why many individuals do not become addicted to drugs and alcohol to which they are exposed, and how social processes can be used to increase an individual's resistance to substance abuse. The cost effectiveness of drug research and treatment is also discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1124-1127 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | American Psychologist |
Volume | 37 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1982 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- drug & alcohol dependence as behavioral problem & experimental progress & needs
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychology(all)