Assessment of the relative reinforcement value of smoking and drinking using a multiple-choice measurement strategy

Nicotine Tob Res. 2003 Oct;5(5):729-34. doi: 10.1080/1462220031000158618.

Abstract

To examine the relative reinforcement value of smoking and drinking, separately and in combination, a multiple-choice questionnaire was administered to 78 individuals seeking outpatient treatment for concurrent tobacco and alcohol dependence. Participants made choices between pairs of substances and then between each substance and a series of monetary values. Results demonstrated that the combination (one cigarette and one drink) was preferred over each individual substance. The mean crossover monetary points for a cigarette (8.1 US dollars) and a drink (10.8 US dollars) were significantly lower than for the combination (13.75 US dollars). Correlational analyses revealed positive associations between drug reinforcement values and dependence-related measures. The utility of this measurement strategy in understanding and treating polydrug use is discussed.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology*
  • Alcoholism / psychology*
  • Comorbidity
  • Decision Making
  • Female
  • Financing, Personal*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Psychometrics
  • Reinforcement, Psychology*
  • Smoking / psychology*
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / psychology*