Therapeutic Approach with Adverse Consequences: Objective, Illustrations, and Debates
Aversion therapy (AT) aims to tackle undesirable behaviors or habits by constantly linking them to uncomfortable experiences, to discourage their occurrence. Also known as aversive conditioning or deterrent therapy, it's often used to manage addiction-related behaviors, such as smoking or alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, its history is marred with controversy, and questions linger about its long-term effectiveness.
The Basics of Aversion Therapy
AT works by associating an undesirable behavior with an unpleasant experience, making the behavior less appealing. In the short term, this method can show promising results.
Targeted Behaviors
Some common behaviors that may benefit from AT include:
- Nail biting
- Tobacco smoking
- AUD, including alcohol misuse and alcohol dependence
- Gambling addiction
Real-Life Examples of AT
Here are some real-world examples of aversion therapy:
- Emetic Counter Conditioning (ECC) is a form of AT that helps reduce alcohol cravings in people with AUD. Over multiple sessions, a person takes a nausea-inducing medication before tasting various alcoholic beverages. The goal is to link alcohol with the feeling of nausea or vomiting.
- Graphic Warning Labels on cigarette packages, found in 118 countries, show images of the health consequences of smoking, such as damaged lungs and cancerous growths. This is an example of AT as it associates smoking with disturbing images.
- Rapid Smoking entails puffing on a cigarette every few seconds to trigger unpleasant sensations, aiming to reduce nicotine dependence. However, a 2016 review found it doesn't provide long-term success for those looking to quit smoking.
- Rubber Band Aversion Therapy is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Participants wear a rubber band on their wrist and snap it every time they have an obsessive thought. The aim is to connect obsessive thoughts with physical pain, which may lead to fewer obsessive thoughts over time. Nevertheless, a 2010 review suggests this method is ineffective for OCD treatment.
Does Aversion Therapy Work?
While AT can reduce addictive behaviors in the short term, long-term success remains a question. Research shows potential benefits for ECC in AUD, as patients reported alcohol aversion or avoidance for up to a year after treatment. Yet, its long-term effectiveness isn't conclusively proven.
Furthermore, research on AT's efficiency for other addictive behaviors like smoking and overeating is scarce. A review in 2016 suggests that AT might not be an effective long-term treatment for nicotine addiction or overeating.
The Controversy Surrounding Aversion Therapy
Mental health professionals have raised ethical concerns about aversion therapy due to its use of punishment as a therapeutic technique. Some argue that it inflicts psychological distress or physical pain, which can lead to potential harm if not managed appropriately.
Historically, "conversion therapy," a form of AT, aimed to change a person's sexual orientation. Listed as a mental disorder until 1973, many people were subjected to this treatment without their consent, while others voluntarily participated due to societal pressure. A 2022 review calls for a ban on conversion therapy in all U.S. states, as some practitioners still engage in its practices.
In addition, the use of AT as a treatment for addiction-related behaviors also faces criticism. Mental health professionals consider this method questionable due to the unpleasant stimuli it administers, increasing risks of psychological or physical discomfort.
FAQs
Success Rates of Aversion Therapy
The success rate of AT varies depending on the disorder being treated. There are no reliable success rates available. However, a 2016 review notes that AT doesn't seem to be a effective long-term treatment for nicotine addiction or overeating.
Side Effects of Aversion Therapy
The side effects of AT depend on the specific therapy a person undergoes. Potential side effects include pain or discomfort, nausea and vomiting (in ECC cases), and fear or anxiety as a person learns to anticipate the negative stimulus.
In Closing
Aversion therapy can serve as a part of a broader treatment plan for substance use disorders, but its long-term effectiveness and ethical application require careful consideration. By combining aversion therapy with other treatments, such as medications that lessen cravings or enhance mental health, a more balanced and supportive approach to recovery might be achieved.
- Aversion Therapy (AT) is employed to manage addiction-related behaviors like alcohol use disorder (AUD), nail biting, tobacco smoking, gambling addiction, and other undesirable behaviors, by linking them to uncomfortable experiences.
- Emetic Counter Conditioning (ECC) is a form of AT used to reduce alcohol cravings in people with AUD, where participants take a nausea-inducing medication before tasting various alcoholic beverages, associating alcohol with the feeling of nausea or vomiting.
- Graphic Warning Labels on cigarette packages, found in 118 countries, use disturbing images of health consequences to deter smoking, making it a real-world example of AT.
- The controversy surrounding aversion therapy arises from its use of punishment as a therapeutic technique, leading to concerns about inflicting psychological distress or physical pain, and ethical questions regarding its application in mental health treatments.
