Interrelationships between behavior and pharmacology as factors determining the effects of nicotine

Behavioral consequences play an important role in determining subsequent behavior. The specific effects a particular consequent event will have, however, depend on many factors. Under certain conditions, the same event can produce diametrically opposite effects on behavior. Nicotine and electric shock are events which can function either as reinforcers capable of maintaining behavior, or as punishers which can suppress behavior. The reinforcing or punishing properties of consequent events depend on the prior experience of the organism and on the conditions existing at the time those events occur. The study of these pivotal events, and of those factors which contribute to their dual behavioral effects, has provided important information for developing a better understanding of general processes governing behavior. Further, the results of these studies have clarified the role of both behavioral and environmental factors in the initiation and maintenance of drug-taking behavior.