Problem:
Positive reinforcement: When I first got sober, I began to attend AA meetings at a local church. Each week that I attended and shared with the group, I received verbal praise and acknowledgement of my determination and commitment to sobriety. Each month that I remained sober, I received a coin as recognition of my sobriety. Miltenberger (2024) describes positive reinforcement as "a type of reinforcement in which, contingent on the behavior, a stimulus or event is presented, and the probability of the behavior increases in the future" (p. 54). The positive reinforcement I received from attending AA meetings was and still is effective. The social aspect, community engagement, and verbal praise have all contributed to my sobriety today. Negative reinforcement: Negative reinforcement occurs when "the occurrence of a behavior is followed by the removal or avoidance of an aversive stimulus" (Miltenberger, 2024, p. 54). Shortly after I started having regular sessions with a mental health counselor for anxiety, the counselor introduced breathing techniques that were designed to help reduce panic or anxiety. I was introduced to these techniques and began using them every time I experienced feelings of anxiety. These techniques proved effective, as evidenced by my ability to control the severity and duration of my anxiety. With the use of this technique, my feelings of anxiety have decreased over time, and I have a better understanding of how to manage my anxiety. Positive punishment. Need Assignment Help?