Applying Behavioral Economics to Reduce Alcohol Issues

Rather than writing up a compelling introduction to this episode, I'm tempted to say, "just listen to the whole thing!" and leave it there. In Session 158, I chat with one of my oldest friends and Auburn classmate (obligatory "War Eagle!"), Dr. Jim Murphy from the University of Memphis, about the impossibly-broad topic of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).

Fortunately for us, Jim has spent over 20 years studying this issue from Behavior Analytic/Behavioral Economic points of view, and he has developed an uncanny ability to discuss these complicated repertoires in easy to understand, everyday terms.

As such, in this episode we cover the following:

• How the environment often plays a key role in substance use.
• Why the abstinence model for problem drinkers may not be the best fit for some individuals.
• Why the terms, "alcoholic," and "addict," are neither descriptive, nor helpful.
• Why we should be more concerned about binge drinkers.
• How alcohol increases social interactions.
• How certain age-ranges are at risk for binge-style use patterns.
• What is Motivational Interviewing, and how it can be used to address binge drinking.
• The differences in substance use patterns between young adults who do and don't go to college.
• How developing hobbies and other values-based activities can help curb problem drinking.
• What does the research say about Alcoholics Anonymous and similar 12-step programs, and in general, the pros and cons of these approaches.
• How using a Hypothetical Demand Curve analysis can be used to assess motivation to reduce drinking behavior.
• Why BCBAs should consider getting training in Motivational Interviewing.

Jim was also kind enough to stick around after the interview for a few more minutes in the commercial-free Patreon feed. In this bonus segment, Jim shares his thoughts on drug legalization in America, particularly the legalization of cannabis. If you're interested in checking this out, as well as partaking in other Patreon-only benefits, check out patreon.com/behavioralobservations.

Here are the links to the resources we discussed:

• Jim's page at The University of Memphis.
• Jim's Google Scholar page.
• Drunk Monkeys video.
• Rat Park study.
• Alcohol/Social Bonding experiment.
• Marlatt, et al. (1999). Screening and Brief Intervention for High-Risk College Student Drinkers.
• A scientific review of Alcoholics Anonymous.
• Relevant APA Divisions: Division 50 (Society of Addiction Psychology) and Division 28 (Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse).
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
• Maureen Dowd's NYT column (2014; will make sense for those listening to the extended Patreon episode).

Please permit me a few quick housekeeping notes:

• We had a few connection issues, so the audio fades in a few places, but I don't think it detracts from the overall content of the show.
• As with Session 157, this episode was recorded in December of 2020, so there may be a few time-based references that will seem out of sync... however, I don't think they have much bearing on the overall gist of the podcast.

This episode is brought to you today with the generous support of:

• Institutional Tier Patron Greenspace Behavioral Technology. For more information on their products and services check out greenspacebehavior.com.
• The Whoop Strap! I've been wearing the Whoop Strap for just a few weeks and I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed getting quantitative information on all aspects of my health, including sleep analytics, heart rate, along with heart rate variability, calorie burn, exercise intensity, and Whoop's proprietary "strain" score. I could extol this neat device's virtues indefinitely to you, but instead, you can go check it out for yourself. To get your first month free, head over to behavioralobservations.com/whoop! Also, feel free to join the Behavior Analysts who Whoop Facebook group!
• Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their brand new 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations.
• Consider joining the BOP Patreon. Patreon members get early access to podcasts, bonus podcast material, discounts on CEU events from FTF and other continuing ed purveyors, occasional Zoom hangouts, and more!