Incentive-sensitization theory of addiction

1. Hypersensitization

Compulsive seeking of drugs comes from a progressive and persistent hypersensitization of particular neural systems.

This neural sensitization describes increasing ability of a drug to stimulate particular neurobehavioral systems. Even intermittent use of drugs leads to this sensitization.

Sensitization increases the effect of the same quantity of a drug. Thus the person gets steadily increasing pleasure each time they use it.

This is not just a pharmacological effect. Learning systems and conditioning are important and act to amplify results.

2. Increased wanting

The neural systems involved lead to a motivational sequence of incentive salience or, more simply, 'wanting.'

This is not 'liking' or pleasure, which is an outcome, but a driver of the addictive action, although it may have pleasurable associations, perhaps of anticipated pleasure.

The 'wanting' and 'liking' described here are preconscious processes that leads to conscious desire and pleasure.

Quick links

Incentive-sensitization theory of addiction

1. Hypersensitization

2. Increased wanting

3. Repetition

4. Conscious desire

See also

Site Menu

You can buy books here

Quick links

Disciplines

Techniques

Principles

Explanations

Theories

And

Site Menu

Quick links

Disciplines

Techniques

Principles

Explanations

Theories

And