An individual who continues using drugs to avoid withdrawal symptoms would be experiencing which type of reinforcement?

An individual who continues using drugs to avoid withdrawal symptoms would be experiencing which type of reinforcement?

• A. Positive reinforcement
• B. Anomie
• C. Negative reinforcement
• D. Anomic imbalance

Answer: (C)

Negative reinforcement explains this. Withdrawal symptoms are an aversive state, so continuing to use drugs removes or reduces that discomfort. The relief reinforces the drug-taking behavior, making it more likely the person will use again to avoid withdrawal. This differs from positive reinforcement, which would involve the pleasurable effects of the drug increasing use. Sociological terms like anomie or anomic imbalance aren’t about reinforcement processes, so they don’t describe why drug use is maintained in this scenario.

Negative reinforcement explains this. Withdrawal symptoms are an aversive state, so continuing to use drugs removes or reduces that discomfort. The relief reinforces the drug-taking behavior, making it more likely the person will use again to avoid withdrawal. This differs from positive reinforcement, which would involve the pleasurable effects of the drug increasing use. Sociological terms like anomie or anomic imbalance aren’t about reinforcement processes, so they don’t describe why drug use is maintained in this scenario.