The behavioral pharmacology of alcohol and other drugs. Emerging issues.

M. E. Carroll, M. L. Stitzer, E. Strain, R. A. Meisch

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Alcohol and other drugs are compared with respect to their abuse liability and dependence potential. Drug-reinforced behavior is defined, and factors related to the establishment of this behavior that have received increasing experimental attention in recent years are reviewed. Acquisition techniques, schedule of access, route of self-administration, and organism factors, such as species, gender, and genetic background, are discussed. Other areas of emerging interest are the effect of feeding regimens, alternative reinforcers, and social conditions on drug-reinforced behavior. Also, biochemical factors such as neurochemical alterations, hormonal changes, and alcohol and other drug combinations, are considered. Finally, dependence potential is considered in terms of observational changes and performance alterations that seem to be sensitive indicators of the protracted aspects of drug withdrawal. The relationship between drug-seeking behavior and withdrawal is examined.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5-46
Number of pages42
JournalRecent developments in alcoholism : an official publication of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism, the Research Society on Alcoholism, and the National Council on Alcoholism
Volume8
StatePublished - 1990
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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