THE BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS OF SUBSTANCE USE: RESEARCH ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUBSTANCE USE AND ALTERNATIVE REINFORCERS

Behavioral economics combines basic concepts from economics and behavioral psychology to explain how people allocate their behavior among various activities over time. The current review paper provides an overview of how behavioral economic theory has been applied to substance use. A key component o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Journal of behavioral health and medicine Vol. 1; no. 3; pp. 216 - 237
Main Authors:	Correia, Christopher J., Murphy, James G., Irons, Jessica G., Vasi, Allyson E.
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Joseph D. Cautilli 2010
Subjects:	Behavioral Economics Contingency Management Drug Abuse Drug Usage Human Reinforcement Substance Use Treatment alternative reinforcers substance use behavioral economics contingency management
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	Behavioral economics combines basic concepts from economics and behavioral psychology to explain how people allocate their behavior among various activities over time. The current review paper provides an overview of how behavioral economic theory has been applied to substance use. A key component of a behavioral economic approach to substance abuse is the relationship between the reinforcement derived from substance use relative to the reinforcement derived from substance-free activities. Studies conducted in both the laboratory and the natural environment support the notion that increases in the availability or utilization of reinforcing substance-free activities are associated with decreased use of substances. Treatments designed to increase engagement in substance-free activities or that increase the reinforcing value of abstinence have also proven to be effective ways of addressing the abuse of a wide range of substances. Future studies focused on measurement issues and better understanding the functional relationship between substance us and alternative reinforcers across a range of contexts will likely increase our understanding of substance abuse and inform treatment efforts.
ISSN:	2375-4656 2375-4656
DOI:	10.1037/h0100553