Learning Explanation of Alcohol, Heroin and Nicotine addiction

Operant Conditioning Explanation

Operant conditioning explains addiction as a behaviour that is reinforced or punished, which subsequently affects the likelihood of the behaviour reoccurring in the future.
In the context of substance use, consumption is often positively reinforced by the pleasurable effects like euphoria (with heroin) or relaxation (with alcohol and, to a lesser extent, nicotine).
Negative reinforcement also plays a part in addiction. Substance use can alleviate unpleasant withdrawal symptoms or negative feelings, reinforcing continued use of the substance.
A substance can also become associated with certain environmental stimuli through operant conditioning. (Beer at a party or cigarette with coffee, for instance.)

Social learning theory suggests alcohol, heroin, and nicotine use can be learned by observing others, primarily role models or significant others in a person’s environment.
According to Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment, aggressive behaviours can be learned simply by observing others. This principle can be also applied to addictive behaviours.
Peer pressure, media influences, and modelled behaviour in the family often contribute to the initiation of substance use.
Social learning theory emphasises that expectations of positive experiences and social rewards also contribute to the continued use and potential development of addiction.
Substance users who have friends and family who also use substances are likely to have their behaviour positively reinforced.

Classical conditioning introduces the idea that addictive behaviours can be conditioned through the association of stimuli.
A neutral stimulus (such as a certain place, time of day, or people) becomes associated with substance use - and that stimulus can induce cravings even when the substance is absent.
Significant withdrawal symptoms can be triggered in response to conditioned stimuli, even without the substance present which contributes to the difficulty in overcoming the addiction.
Watson and Rayner’s Little Albert Experiment presents evidence supporting the concepts of conditioned responses which can be applied to explain the dynamics of addiction.