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Related Experiment Videos

Behavioral contingencies modulate alprazolam self-administration by humans

M Haney1, S D Comer, R W Foltin

  • 1Division on Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute, NY, USA.

Behavioural Pharmacology
|February 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Monetary feedback significantly altered alprazolam (a minor tranquilizer) self-administration. Positive feedback increased drug-seeking behavior, while negative feedback, linked to lower earnings, substantially reduced it.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychopharmacology
  • Behavioral Economics
  • Addiction Research

Background:

  • Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine, is frequently self-administered.
  • Understanding factors influencing drug self-administration is crucial for addiction treatment.
  • Monetary incentives can modify drug-seeking behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how monetary feedback contingencies affect alprazolam self-administration in humans.
  • To determine if the value of a secondary reinforcer (money) influences the choice to self-administer alprazolam.

Main Methods:

  • Seven male volunteers participated in a residential laboratory study.
  • Alprazolam or placebo was administered, followed by tasks with simulated performance feedback and monetary rewards.

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  • Participants made choices to self-administer alprazolam or placebo under different feedback conditions.

    • Main Results:

    • When no feedback was given, alprazolam was self-administered 57% in the afternoon and 71% in the evening.
    • 'Better than average' feedback led to 57% alprazolam self-administration.
    • 'Worse than average' feedback, associated with reduced earnings, decreased alprazolam self-administration to 14%.

    Conclusions:

    • Monetary contingencies powerfully modulate alprazolam self-administration.
    • Negative feedback linked to financial loss significantly reduces the choice to self-administer alprazolam.
    • Findings suggest that the impact of monetary consequences on drug choice is similar for both stimulants and minor tranquilizers.