Memory retrieval-extinction paradigm and its application on drug addicts

Abstract

Based on the traditional fear extinction training paradigm, the retrieval-extinction paradigm rewrites fear memory within the reconsolidation window, and reduces their fear response by decreasing the valence of fear stimulus. From the perspective of psychology, the main reason of addicts relapse is that the intensive memory of the painful experience inspired when protracted withdrawal symptoms of drug dependence. The reduction of the sensitivity of drug related memory, which is the key of drug detoxification is to change the memory caused by drug related cues. The retrieval-extinction paradigm provides no drug treatment and a new non-invasive model for addicts, and a new perspective to reduce the relapse rate, and to improve the quality of life of addicts. We can do empirical research which using memory retrieval-estinction paradigm on drug addicts in the future.The memory retrieval paradigm can be applied to empirical research in drug addicts in future. Key words: Relapse; Conditioned reflex; Reconsolidation; Memory retrieval-extinction