Anticipatory conditioned responses to subjective and physiological effects of heroin in addicted persons

Résumé 0

"Study 1: The aim of this experiment was to analyze in persons detoxifiedof heroin, conditioned responses (CRs) that are opposite to the unconditioned physiologicaland subjective effects that are induced by this substance. The basic procedure consistedin presenting slides with images of neutral stimuli (NSs) and conditioned stimuli (CSs)of heroin to both non-addicted and detoxified addicted persons. The evaluated responseswere conductance (C) and self-perception of abstinence symptoms (SAS). The resultsare considered to be indicators of compensatory conditioned responses (CCRs) (conditionedabstinence). Study 2: The aim of this experiment was to facilitate the emission ofmimetic conditioned responses (MCRs) to the unconditioned subjective effects of heroinin detoxified heroin addicts. Three different stimulus series were manipulated: SA,during which the participant remained alone; SB, administration of a needle prick givenby the researcher; SC, performance of the «pump» ritual without drug by the participants.The response measured was SAS. The results are considered to be indicators of MCRs.The results of both studies are discussed in the context of the environmental specificitymodel of anticipatory responses to the effects of drugs."