Cue exposure treatment is based on which paradigm?

Cue exposure treatment is based on which paradigm?

• A. Based on a Pavlovian extinction paradigm involves exposure of the client to cues that induce drug craving while preventing actual drug use
• B. Based on operant conditioning only
• C. Based on cognitive restructuring unrelated to cues
• D. Based on pharmacotherapy

Answer: (A)

Cue exposure treatment rests on Pavlovian extinction. In classical conditioning terms, drug-related cues become conditioned stimuli that trigger craving because they’ve been paired with the drug’s rewarding effects. By repeatedly exposing the person to those cues without actually using the drug, the conditioned craving response gradually weakens as the cue loses its ability to predict drug availability. This is different from operant conditioning, which focuses on consequences shaping behavior, or from cognitive restructuring that targets thoughts unrelated to cues, or pharmacotherapy that uses medication. The extinction process hinges on learning that the cue no longer signals drug use, reducing craving over time.

Cue exposure treatment rests on Pavlovian extinction. In classical conditioning terms, drug-related cues become conditioned stimuli that trigger craving because they’ve been paired with the drug’s rewarding effects. By repeatedly exposing the person to those cues without actually using the drug, the conditioned craving response gradually weakens as the cue loses its ability to predict drug availability. This is different from operant conditioning, which focuses on consequences shaping behavior, or from cognitive restructuring that targets thoughts unrelated to cues, or pharmacotherapy that uses medication. The extinction process hinges on learning that the cue no longer signals drug use, reducing craving over time.