Applying the behaviourist assumptions

• Blank slate

  • everyone is born as a blank slate, therefore the behaviour we develop is learned
  • claims that we learn addictions such as smoking and alcoholism as they are not behaviours or substances we are typically drawn to
  • AT aims to unlearn these undesirable behaviours and relearn more appropriate ones
• Learning through conditioning

  Classical conditioning: addictive behaviour is learned through this

  • the addictive thing becomes the neutral stimulus
  • we associate that with a positive outcome such as feeling good which is the unconditioned response
  • AT aims to counter condition by having the person create a negative association such as feeling sick in response to the addictive thing
• Learning through conditioning

  Operant conditioning: after CC, this one plays a role

  • negatively reinforcing the unpleasant conditioned response to avoid the addictive behaviour
  • helps to maintain abstinence
• NS - UCR

  • alcohol or gambling = feels good

  NS + UCS - UCR

  • alcohol or gambling paired with aversive stimulus = feels sick

  CS - CR

  • alcohol or gambling = feels sick