Therapy method aimed at reducing undesirable behaviors or desires; illustrative cases and debates discussed; sparking heated discussions due to ethical concerns.
Aversion therapy, also known as "deterrent therapy" or "aversive conditioning," is a method used to curb undesirable behaviors. This technique repetitively links an unwanted act with a negative experience, in an attempt to deter the behavior.
People often encounter aversion therapy as a treatment for addictive behaviors, such as smoking or alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, it's less common than other substance use disorder treatments. The approach, while controversial, has a long history dating back to various attempts to change sexual orientation—a practice that is now recognized as unethical and harmful.
The purpose of aversion therapy is to create an unpleasant association with an undesirable behavior or habit. This can help eliminate the behavior or reduce its occurrence. Examples of behaviors that aversion therapy may address include nail biting, tobacco smoking, AUD, and gambling addiction.
Multiple examples of aversion therapy exist, including emetic counter conditioning, graphic warning labels, rapid smoking, and rubber band aversion therapy. Each technique uses different methods to create an aversion to the undesirable behavior, such as pairing alcohol consumption with nausea and vomiting, or snapping a rubber band every time an obsessive thought arises.
A Koa Health review found that short-term results of aversion therapy can be encouraging, but its long-term effectiveness has been questioned. Brain imaging studies showed that emetic counter conditioning may reduce alcohol craving-related brain activity[1]. However, more research is needed to determine if these effects are lasting.
The controversy surrounding aversion therapy stems from the fact that it uses punishment as a means of therapy. Critics argue that it is unethical to intentionally cause psychological or physical distress as part of treatment. Additionally, some mental health practitioners still engage in so-called conversion therapy, which aims to change an individual's sexual orientation—a practice that has been condemned as harmful and discriminatory.
FAQs related to aversion therapy indicate that its success rate varies depending on the behaviors being addressed, and reliable success rates are currently unavailable. Side effects of aversion therapy depend on the specific method used, and may include pain, discomfort, nausea, vomiting, fear, and anxiety.
In the wider context of addiction treatment, other methods such as medications and behavioral therapies have shown more consistent long-term benefits. For instance, medications like naltrexone and acamprosate can effectively reduce cravings and prevent relapse[5]. Behavioral therapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help address underlying issues and promote coping strategies. These therapies may offer more sustainable recovery outcomes compared to aversion therapy alone.
In conclusion, Aversion therapy is a treatment approach that links undesirable behaviors with unpleasant consequences. Its effectiveness is often enhanced when combined with other treatments, such as medications and behavioral therapies. While it can be beneficial in the short term, its long-term efficacy may vary, and concerns about its ethical implications persist.
Sources:1. American Psychological Association. (2022). What is aversion therapy, and is it effective for addiction treatment?. [online] Available at: https://www.apa.org/topics/aversion-therapy2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Psychological Approaches to Drug Addiction. [online] Available at: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-adolescent-substance-use-disorder-treatment-research-based-guide/evidence-based-approaches-to-drugs-of-abuse/psychotherapy3. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2010) Treating alcohol problems: What works and what doesn't (NIH Publication No. 10-4677). [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64054/4. Carroll, K.M., West, R. and Laddy, E.P. (2003) Disulfiram in alcoholism treatment: Current perspectives. Alcohol Research & Health, 27(3), pp.185-1945. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018) Medications for Treatment of Substance Use Disorders. [online] Available at: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/evidence-based-approaches-to-drug-addiction-treatment/pharmacotherapies/approaches-in-special-populations/women- and-gender-differences
- Psychotherapy and psychiatry, along with alternative medicine, play significant roles in the health-and-wellness landscape, offering various treatments for mental health and addictive behaviors.
- Aversion therapy, a method of deterrent therapy, is a psychology-based treatment, often used to curb addictive behaviors like alcohol use disorder (AUD), but its long-term effectiveness is questioned, as the Koa Health review suggests.
- While controversies surround aversion therapy due to ethical implications and the use of punishment as a means of therapy, other treatment approaches, such as medications like naltrexone and behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), have shown more consistent long-term benefits in the recovery from substance use disorders.
- The science of health-and-wellness continues to evolve, with research emphasizing the importance of combining various therapies-and-treatments—including aversion therapy, medications, and behavioral therapies like CBT—to achieve sustainable recovery outcomes for mental health and addictive issues.
