A hallmark personality characteristic in substance abuse is impulsivity (Moeller et al., 2001) which is often characterized by enhanced sensitivity to reward and reduced sensitivity to punishment (Corr, 2002; Monterosso & Ainslie, 1999). Similarly, those at risk for developing substance abuse disorders are more sensitive to rewards than punishment (Finn, Kessler, & Hussong, 1994) and are particularly insensitive to long-term negative consequences which are usually dismissed in favor of short-term rewards (Grant, Contoreggi, & London, 2000; Petry, Bickel, & Arnett, 1998).
