You may have heard about the studies done in the 1960’s with rats who were placed in a cage with two levers. When pressed, lever one would deliver water and lever two would deliver water laced with cocaine. The researchers observed that virtually all the rats frantically pressed lever two until they overdosed and died. They concluded that the most key factor driving addiction was the chemical hook in the drug.

However, in the 1970’s psychologist and professor Dr. Bruce Alexander wasn’t satisfied with this conclusion. He observed that in these experiments the rats only had two options. He then conducted his own studies that gave the rats access to the same two levers, but also placed them in an enhanced cage called “Rat Park” where they could roam freely, interact with other rats, and play with toys. Incredibly, the rats in Rat Park rarely used the cocaine-laced water and when they did, it was never excessively. When the rats in Dr. Alexander’s experiment lived in a comfortable and supportive environment with attractive alternatives to drugs, the desire and need for drugs dropped significantly.

While addiction is still not completely understood, there is a consensus among experts that it is driven by a complex combination of environmental, behavioral, and genetic factors. As supported by the “Rat Park” experiments, our environment can significantly influence our thoughts, emotions, preferences, desires, and behaviors.

Unfortunately, traditional treatment programs do not address this crucial factor which makes relapse common after clients leave treatment and return home. Because Front Door Health delivers care in the home, we help you assess, understand, and improve your home environment to be supportive of your recovery and goals.

Stay tuned for our next blog post which will discuss common environmental triggers in the home and ways to create attractive alternatives to substance use.

Call us today at 773-747-5500.