Most of the things we do every day are due to habits. Psychological experts have suggested several theories to explain the process by which humans and animals shape such habits. Among these theories are classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning. As human beings it is almost inevitable to fall into bad habits, consciously or unconsciously. Fortunately, science has shown that we can change or modify unwanted behaviors through conditioning (Whitbourne, 2012). Operant conditioning emphasizes how a behavior is strengthened or weakened by the use of rewards or punishments; shaping, molding, and extinguishing are some of the techniques used to achieve these behavioral alterations (Cherry, n.d.). Key points to consider for effective behavior modification are: clear identification of the behavior to be changed, use of self-control, and punishment or reinforcement (Cherry, n.d.; Selig, 2012). This article shows how operant conditioning has been effective in changing behaviors through rewards, extinction, or modeling. Recently in a study conducted at the University of Milan, researcher Alessandro Orrù and colleagues (2012) created alcohol dependence in mice by reinforcing its use, so the latter actually modifies behavior using a drug called Baclofen which decreases l appetite and craving for alcohol. This drug acts on the brain structure involved in behaviors motivated and rewarded by alcohol; apparently it helps suppress cravings for alcohol. Since beer produces similar pleasure in both mice and humans, this study has high expectations for helping alcoholic people if approved by the FDA. In this study alcohol was initially the reinforcer, subsequently the mice modified their behavior through the use of the new drug (Whitbourne, 2012). Insomnia can be harmful to an individual's physical and mental health. Sleep problems can be treated through operant conditioning techniques such as extinction, (Cognitive Behavioral Treatments for…2012). Extinction refers to ceasing to strengthen a tendency in order to eliminate a habit (Cherry, n.d.). The main goal of sleep modification treatment is to eliminate some bad habits that are counterproductive for sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene is made up of four areas: circadian rhythm (internal clock that puts people to sleep), aging, psychological stressors, and use of stimulants (caffeine, alcohol, and other drugs), all of these forms make up what is called sleep hygiene. Activities such as napping, watching late-night TV, using electronic devices, and consuming stimulants can deprive you of adequate night's rest. Behavior modification improves sleep patterns by eliminating these factors and establishing a regular routine to achieve the desired goal, which in this case is the quality and quantity of sleep (Cognitive Behavioral Treatments for…2012).