Compare and Contrast Theories of Drug Use and Dependence

People worldwide use drugs for various reasons. Likewise, people become dependent to these substances for a number of reasons. Drug use refers to the consumption of drugs or prescription medication (Mathers et al, 2007). Although there is no universal definition, ‘dependence’ is often invoked to explain motivation to use a drug and the difficulty in sustaining abstinence (Fagerstrom, 1978; Hughes, Gust, Skoog, Keenan, & Fenwick, 1991; Stitzer & Gross, 1988; West, Hajek, & Belcher, 1989). However, there is little agreement as to its definition, its cardinal manifestations, or its underlying processes (Kenford et al, 2002). Despite variation in the definition of dependence, there is general agreement that an inability to achieve sustained abstinence from drug use is a central feature.

Although the exact cause of drug use and dependence is unknown, the literature illustrates an abundance of theories in regards to drug addiction and dependence, as well as demonstrating the controversy as to the underlying reason behind drug dependence. There are three broad types of explanations of drug use and dependence; biological theories, psychological theories and sociological theories (Scheier, 2009). Each focuses on a number of different factors as crucial in determining why people use and abuse substances (Scheier, 2009). Within each type, there are a range of specific theories. This essay will address two predominant psychological models of drug use and dependence. There are two distinctly different types of reinforcement, positive and negative, and consequently two different models that cite reinforcement as a mechanism in continued drug use; the physical dependence model and the positive reinforcement model. The essay will begin by providing an explanation of both models main underlying assumptions. It will explore empirical research evidence for both models before moving on to a detailed discussion of the predominant similarities and differences between both models. The essay will conclude by suggesting that to obtain a detailed account of the motivational forces behind drug use and dependence, we should aim to view each explanation as complementary rather than contradictory in nature.

Physical Dependence Model

The physical dependence model was developed in an attempt to account for the state where the discontinuation of a drug would cause withdrawal symptoms. The sickness that remains after the effects of a drug have diminished suggests that after repeated exposure to certain drugs, withdrawal symptoms appear if the drug is discontinued. As withdrawal effects are unpleasant, they would constitute negative reinforcement. Negative reinforcement occurs when an individual does something to seek relief or to avoid pain, thereby being rewarded and hence motivated to do whatever it was that achieved relief or alleviated the pain (Baker, Piper, McCarthy, Majeskie & Fiore, 2004). With respect