(A) Implicit, or automatic, cognition includes classically and operantly conditioned responses that strengthen over time, resulting in increased cue salience and conditioned response complexity; (B) Metacognition is a subdivision of explicit, or controlled, cognitive processes, and includes subjective, self-reflective and rational thinking, and appraisal and superordinate regulation of executive function. Complex conditioned responses (i.e., automatic information processing) happen outside of metacognitive self-awareness and can bypass reflective thinking. (C) Executive function represents the second sub-division of the explicit system, and includes mental operations that are value free, purposeful, and algorithmic. Fundamental to cognitive conceptualizations of addiction is the dynamic opposition between self-control and implicitly strengthened urge-related responding.