Behavioral Theories of Choice

This chapter provides an overview of empirical research and clinical theory that attempts to explain the relationship between drug use, drug-related reinforcement, and drug-free reinforcement. It reviews how theories on choice behavior have contributed to our understanding of drug use. The review includes a brief history of the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of the behavioral choice perspective, a sample of laboratory and “real world” research studies that highlight the interplay between drug use and drug-free alternatives, and a discussion of some of the clinical implications of this research.