A Psychopharmacology of Motivation and Reward Related to Substance Abuse Treatment

Motivation is an important component of behavior influencing reinforcement and reward. A distinction can be made between reinforcing effects and incentive value of drugs. Reinforcement appears to be a unique effect of some psychoactive substances and does not appear to be related to drug preference, depressant or psychostimulant drug effects, or physical dependence. On the other hand, motivation is important in determining extent of drug seeking and can be distinguished from other reinforcement processes. Dopaminergic neurotransmission appears to be involved in drug reward, whereas serotonergic neurotransmission appears to be more involved in motivation. Reinforcement and motivation, as distinct components of drug consumption, might each be therapeutically altered. Effective treatment strategies should include consideration of positive and negative impact on reinforcement and motivational factors, through pharmacological and psychosocial means.