Concept

Stimulus Response Learning in Addiction

The stimulus response learning theory relates addictive behavior to habit formation and learning, where drug-related stimuli prompts a habitual response to take the drug. It has been hypothesized that repeated drug use elicits changes in dopamine receptors in the dorsal striatum that result in drug-seeking habits that are challenging to give up despite negative outcomes. Other important elements of this theory include conditioned reinforcement and impulsivity.

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Updated 2025-09-28

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Clinical Practice of Psychology