Understanding the Opponent-Process Theory of Drug Addiction

According to Psych Web, the opposing forces of pleasure and pain, as described in Richard Solomon's "opponent process" theory, make getting off drugs more difficult for an addict.

Opposing Forces

• Solomon theorizes that a negative feeling (B) follows every pleasurable experience (A). While the A experience is described as "short-lived and intense," the "B response is slower to build and slower to decay."

The A and B of Taking Drugs

• When a person uses a drug for the first time, the A response is highly pleasurable, with the B response occurring when the drug's effect wears off.

The A and B of Addiction

• With repeated drug use, the body's tolerance to the drug produces a lessened A (pleasurable) response, while the B (negative) response intensifies.

Withdrawal

• As the drug-taking behavior continues, the A response is reduced to nothing more than an absence of the negative feelings of the B response.

Craving

• Eventually, the B response becomes so intense, the user feels he must take the drug in order to feel normal.