THE BASIC assumption of a reinforcement theory of learning is that the learning of an
association between a stimulus and a response requires the presence of some sort of
reward or reinforcement. Reinforcement, in turn, is defined in terms of drive reduction. Thus,
if making a certain response in the presence of a cue or stimulus leads to a reduction in the
strength of a drive (the latter being a state of tension resulting from an unsatisfied need) the
individual will be more likely to repeat that response when confronted with the same or�…

Experimental literature is reviewed to show that reinforcement theory can explain the
rewards of drinking behavior, even in the case of the man who is apparently punished by
such behavior. Differential effects can be understood by reference to inhibition of response
by fear through alcohol, or by depression of other drives which might be inhibited, or by
different effects on two incompatible response tendencies, or by the overriding effects of
learning.(PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)