The Habitual Brain: An "Adapted Habit" Theory of Substance Use Disorders

Behavioral habits are essential to human and animal life. We consider the many ways that habits-which are normally adaptive-can be expressed as drug use behavior and addiction. Although habit theories of substance use disorders have been proposed (e.g., Tiffany, 1990), the behavioral science and underlying neurobiology of habit development, maintenance, and change is only now being studied. We first define "adapted habit." We then propose that the etiology of an adapted habit represents the combination of: (a) initial "capture" of a habit, (b) development of behavioral action schemata, and (c) an overlay of cognitive expectancies concerning aspects of the habit. This combination conspires to make an intractable adapted habit such as substance abuse and addiction. Many intractable habits change, including substance use disorders such as cigarette smoking. As part of a science of habits, we need a real understanding of how to change habits to avoid or minimize harm.