Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

What is habituation in relation to behavioral patterns?

1. The establishment of behaviors through repetition

2. A decrease in responsiveness to drug effects

3. The inability to adapt to regular routines

4. The sudden change of behaviors without a pattern

The correct answer is: The establishment of behaviors through repetition

In the context of behavioral patterns, habituation refers to the establishment of behaviors through repetition. This process involves becoming accustomed to certain stimuli or experiences, leading to a change in how one responds to them over time. When behaviors are repeated consistently, individuals tend to exhibit a gradual reduction in their reaction to those behaviors or stimuli, thus solidifying those behaviors as habitual. Habituation plays a significant role in behavioral psychology as it illustrates how exposure influences behavior formation. An example of this would be a person who, after repeatedly practicing a skill, such as playing a musical instrument, becomes more proficient and less conscious of the steps involved. This process shows that through repetition and experience, an individual can develop routines and habits that define their behavior. The other options illustrate concepts that are distinct from habituation. For instance, the decrease in responsiveness to drug effects is typically referred to as tolerance, which is a different phenomenon linked more closely to substance use. The inability to adapt to regular routines suggests a struggle with change or flexibility rather than the establishment of behavior through repetition. Lastly, a sudden change in behaviors without a pattern implies a lack of consistency, running counter to the concept of habituation, which is built on gradual, repeated exposure leading to a stable response.