When experimental psychology is not empirical enough: The case of the "exposure orientation."

Most psychologists accept the familiar view that exposure to opiate drugs engenders a powerful tendency toward subsequent addictive use. However, a review of the relevant historical, clinical, and experimental literature shows that this view of addiction, which can be labeled the "exposure orientation," is not true. Evidence is presented concerning the traditional form of the exposure orientation and 2 variations of this perspective that emphasize withdrawal symptoms and induced metabolic change as the causes of addiction. It is argued that experimental psychology is helping to support a popular misconception on the nature of opiate addiction and that a fuller empiricism could reassert psychology's authority to lead, rather than follow, popular culture. (French abstract) (103 ref)