Treatment Methods Devoid of Affection: Purpose, Illustrations, and Debate
Aversion therapy, also known as deterrent therapy, is a controversial behavioral treatment method that associates undesirable behaviors with unpleasant experiences to discourage them. Common uses include treatments for addictions like smoking, alcohol misuse, gambling, and more.
Why Aversion Therapy?
The goal of aversion therapy is to create an association between an undesirable behavior and an unpleasant experience. By doing so, the hope is that the behavior will be discouraged or eliminated altogether.
Applicable Behaviors
Examples of behaviors that aversion therapy might treat include:
- nail biting
- tobacco smoking
- alcohol misuse and alcohol dependence (AUD)
- gambling addiction
Aversion Therapy Examples
Emetic Counter Conditioning (ECC)
ECC is an aversion therapy technique that reduces alcohol cravings in those with AUD. Multiple sessions involve taking medication to induce nausea and vomiting, followed by tasting various alcoholic beverages. Over time, the patient learns to associate drinking alcohol with the unpleasant feeling of being sick.
Graphic Warning Labels
Graphic warning labels, mandatory in 118 countries, feature disturbing images related to the health consequences of smoking. This method is an example of aversion therapy because it connects smoking with unpleasant visuals.
Rapid Smoking
Rapid smoking involves quickly puffing on a cigarette to trigger unpleasant sensations, aiming to reduce nicotine dependence. Research shows that it's not an effective long-term solution for those trying to quit smoking.
Rubber Band Aversion Therapy (RBAT)
RBAT is a form of treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). By wearing a rubber band around the wrist and snapping it whenever an obsessive thought arises, patients learn to associate obsessive thoughts with physical pain, hopefully leading to fewer such thoughts. However, research indicates that RBAT is not an effective therapy for OCD.
Does Aversion Therapy Work?
While research suggests that aversion therapy can reduce addictive behaviors in the short term, its long-term effectiveness as a treatment for various substance use disorders is still questionable. For instance, a 2017 study investigated the impact of ECC on alcohol-related brain activity in 13 people with AUD. The participants, who reported alcohol aversion or avoidance at 30 and 90 days after treatment, also had a 69% sobriety rate 12 months later. Nevertheless, additional research is needed to determine the lasting effects of aversion therapy.
Controversy Surrounding Aversion Therapy
Some mental health professionals consider aversion therapy unethical due to the use of punishment as a therapy method. Aversion therapy has a history of controversy, particularly with conversion therapy, a form of aversion therapy previously used to "treat" homosexuality. Many people were forced into this therapy against their will, while others voluntarily participated due to feelings of shame, guilt, or social discrimination. A 2022 review calls for the practice to be banned in all U.S. states.
Summary
Aversion therapy attempts to discourage undesirable behaviors by associating them with unpleasant experiences. Examples include ECC, rapid smoking, and RBAT. While short-term success has been observed, particularly with alcohol use disorder treatment, the long-term effectiveness of aversion therapy remains uncertain. Additionally, ethical concerns persist due to the deliberate infliction of psychological distress or physical pain on patients. As a result, contemporary addiction treatment trends emphasize evidence-based medications and behavioral therapies that minimize harm and prioritize patient autonomy.
- Aversion therapy, a controversial treatment method, aims to discourage undesirable behaviors by linking them with unpleasant experiences.
- Examples of behaviors potentially treated with aversion therapy include nail biting, tobacco smoking, alcohol misuse and alcohol dependence (AUD), and gambling addiction.
- ECC, an aversion therapy technique, reduces alcohol cravings in those with AUD through multiple sessions involving medication and alcohol.
- Graphic warning labels, mandated in 118 countries, are an example of aversion therapy that links smoking with disturbing health images.
- Rapid smoking, while not effective for quitting smoking long-term, aims to reduce nicotine dependence by triggering unpleasant sensations.
- Research is questioning the long-term effectiveness of aversion therapy as a treatment for substance use disorders, despite short-term success.
- Ethical concerns have been raised about aversion therapy due to its use of punishment and the potential infliction of psychological distress or physical pain on patients, leading to calls for its ban, as seen in a 2022 review.
