Which etiology view emphasizes the influence of reinforcement as causal factors for continued drug use?

Which etiology view emphasizes the influence of reinforcement as causal factors for continued drug use?

• A. Etiology of substance related disorders
• B. Sociocultural view of etiology
• C. Behavioral view of etiology
• D. Biological view of etiology

Answer: (C)

Reinforcement drives learned behavior. The behavioral view of etiology treats drug use as a behavior that has been shaped and maintained by its consequences. Positive reinforcement from the drug’s effects makes repeated use more likely, while negative reinforcement—relief from withdrawal or negative feelings—further strengthens the pattern. Cues and environmental contexts become associated with use, triggering cravings and relapse through conditioned responses. This perspective focuses on learning processes and how consequences sustain ongoing drug use, rather than on biology or culture. Hence it best captures how reinforcement factors causally contribute to continued drug use.

Reinforcement drives learned behavior. The behavioral view of etiology treats drug use as a behavior that has been shaped and maintained by its consequences. Positive reinforcement from the drug’s effects makes repeated use more likely, while negative reinforcement—relief from withdrawal or negative feelings—further strengthens the pattern. Cues and environmental contexts become associated with use, triggering cravings and relapse through conditioned responses. This perspective focuses on learning processes and how consequences sustain ongoing drug use, rather than on biology or culture. Hence it best captures how reinforcement factors causally contribute to continued drug use.