Cue Reactivity - Theoretical Background

Theoretical Background

Interpretations of why people with a substance addiction show more reactivity to drug-related stimuli have historically been derived from the framework of classical conditioning. During an individual's history of drug use, certain stimuli, such as environmental contexts or drug paraphernalia, reliably accompany drug administration. It is assumed that these stimuli, by virtue of their pairing with the unconditioned drug stimulus, become conditioned stimuli capable of eliciting conditioned responses in the form of reactions such as increased craving and heart rate. Presumably, these cue-specific reactions reflect motivational processes responsible for continuing drug use as well as relapse for people with an addiction attempting to remain abstinent.