Effects of varied extinction conditions with alcoholics and social drinkers

The persistence of drinking behavior in the alcoholic has been described in terms of modern learning theory by a number of investigators (e.g., Kepner, 1964; Kingham, 1958). Although unpleasant and noxious consequences (ranging from hangovers to general disruption in the life of the drinker) are typically associated with prolonged drinking in the alcoholic, it is assumed that the immediate reinforcement effects of alcohol consumption exert greater influence than the delayed punishment effects (Conger, 1956). A basic assumption of aversion therapy procedures in the treatment of alcoholism is that presentation of immediate punishment (emetic drugs, electric shock) in contiguity with alcohol will produce a conditioned fear response leading to the suppression of drinking or the avoidance of alcohol (Rachman & Teasdale, 1969). A question which remains to be studied, however, is the extent to which alcoholics respond to conditions of immediate punishment, compared to nonalcoholics. Any differences which might obtain from such a comparison would have important implications for the use of aversion therapy with alcoholics. In an investigation of the effects of immediate and delayed punishment in alcoholics and normal controls, Vogel-Sprott and Banks