The instrumental rationality of addiction

Behav Brain Sci. 2011 Dec;34(6):320-1. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X1100077X.

Abstract

The claim that non-addictive drug use is instrumental must be distinguished from the claim that its desired ends are evolutionarily adaptive or easy to comprehend. Use can be instrumental without being adaptive or comprehensible. This clarification, together with additional data, suggests that Müller & Schumann's (M&S's) instrumental framework may explain addictive, as well as non-addictive consumption.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Drug Users / psychology*
  • Drug-Seeking Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Models, Psychological*
  • Psychological Theory*
  • Psychomotor Performance / drug effects*
  • Self Medication / psychology*