A Review of Behavioral Economic Manipulations Affecting Drug versus Nondrug Choice in Rats

Many recent studies have investigated rats' choice between drug and nondrug reinforcers to model variables influencing drug taking in humans. As research using this model accumulates, the complexity of factors affecting drug choice has become increasingly apparent. This review applies a behavioral economic perspective to research that has used this model. The focus is on experiments that have manipulated behavioral economic variables in studies of rats' choice between drugs like cocaine or heroin and nondrug reinforcers like saccharin or social interaction. Price effects, reinforcer interactions (i.e., as substitutes or complements), economy type, and income effects are described. Results of experiments testing the impact of these variables on rats' choice are presented and analyzed. Although rats' behavior in this model often conforms well with behavioral economic principles, there have also been instances where further explanation is required. By appreciating the behavioral economic context in which rats' choice between drug and nondrug reinforcers occurs, and by recognizing that both consequences and antecedents can play important roles in this behavior, our understanding of the complexity of factors involved in drug choice can be increased.