A test of Wikler's theory of relapse: the frequency of relapse due to conditioned withdrawal sickness.

Wikler's theory of relapse was assessed by asking street addicts whether they had ever experienced conditioned withdrawal sickness during abstinence, and whether they had taken drugs and ultimately relapsed as a result. Of 40 addicts who had at least one period of abstinence outside of an institution, 11 (27.5%) reported having experienced symptoms of conditioned withdrawal. Even among the 11, however, conditioned withdrawal occurred infrequently, and the sickness was mild. Only two addicts took opiates as a result, and one relapsed. Conditioned withdrawal sickness therefore appears to be but a minor cause of relapse.