In Incentive-Sensitization Theory explains dependence as being driven by what?

• A. Withdrawal pain driving the dependence
• B. Dependence driven by social factors alone
• C. Positive incentive value (wanting) and anticipated pleasure, with memories of early drug use increasing the incentive value
• D. Dependence determined solely by genetics

Answer: (C)

Incentive-Sensitization Theory says dependence is driven by the positive incentive value—the amount of 'wanting' the drug triggers because of learned associations and anticipated pleasure. With repeated use, cues and contexts that signal the drug become highly salient, and the brain’s incentive-msalience systems become sensitized. This means memories of early drug experiences and the anticipation of the drug’s effects boost craving and motivation to seek the drug, even if the actual liking or hedonic pleasure from the drug doesn’t increase and may even decline. So dependence centers on cue-triggered desire or wanting, amplified by past experiences and expected reward, not just withdrawal or social factors or genetics.