When a drug user experiences withdrawal symptoms and takes the drug to alleviate those symptoms, this is
A) negative punishment.
B) negative reinforcement.
C) positive punishment.
D) positive reinforcement.
E) punishment.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Negative reinforcement refers to the removal of a negative stimulus after a behavior, increasing the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future. In this case, taking the drug alleviates the negative symptoms of withdrawal, increasing the likelihood of the individual taking the drug again in the future to avoid those same withdrawal symptoms.

When a Drug User Experiences Withdrawal Symptoms and Takes the Drug