Getting back to basics: commentary on McSweeney, Murphy, and Kowal (2005)

The review article "Regulation of Drug Taking by Sensitization and Habituation" by F. K. McSweeney, E. S. Murphy, and B. P. Kowal introduces 2 basic principles of behavior, sensitization and habituation, into a comprehensive model for studying drug intake and drug addiction. A key assumption of the model is that the reinforcing effectiveness of drugs sensitize and/or habituate; however, issues with the measurement of reinforcing effectiveness should be carefully considered. In addition, a multidisciplinary approach might broaden this model and increase its power. Other approaches include, but are not limited to, pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling and in vivo measures of brain activity.