Therapeutic Approach with Aversion: Objective, Instances, and Disputes
Going Against the Grain: An Unconventional Approach to Breaking Habits
Aversion therapy (AT) is a treatment method designed to discourage undesirable behaviors by linking them with unpleasant experiences. Often referred to as "aversive conditioning" or "deterrent therapy," it's most commonly associated with tackling addiction-related behaviors like smoking and alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, its widespread use is less prevalent than other treatment strategies for substance use disorders.
The Nitty-Gritty of Aversion Therapy
AT operates by consistently associating an undesirable behavior or habit with an ugly sensation. This technique aims to create a repulsive connection, thereby minimizing the behavior or habit. Here are some examples of behaviors AT might address:
- Chronic nail biting
- Tobacco smoking
- Alcohol misuse and dependency (AUD)
- Compulsive gambling
Practical Applications of Aversion Therapy
- Emetic counter conditioning (ECC)
ECC is an AT method that aims to lessen alcohol cravings in people with AUD. Over several sessions, a person receives a medication to induce nausea and vomiting. Following this, they consume various alcoholic beverages, learning to link drinking with the uncomfortable sensation of being sick.
- Graphic warning labels
Warning labels on cigarette packages, which are mandatory in 118 countries, usually display dire health consequences associated with smoking, such as cancerous tumors and decayed lungs. These labels serve as a form of AT since they tie smoking to disturbing or upsetting visuals.
- Rapid smoking
Rapid smoking entails puffing on a cigarette every few seconds to produce uncomfortable sensations that make smoking unbearable. The objective is to help lessen nicotine dependence. However, a 2016 review suggests that rapid smoking isn't a long-term effective treatment for those endeavoring to quit smoking.
- Rubber band aversion therapy (RBAT)
RBAT is a treatment strategy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In RBAT, individuals wear a rubber band around their wrist and snap it whenever an obsessive thought surfaces. By repeatedly pairing the pain of the rubber band with the obsessive thought, people are encouraged to associate obsessive thoughts with physical discomfort, ultimately reducing their occurrence. However, a 2010 review states that RBAT is ineffective for OCD treatment.
Does Aversion Therapy Work?
Evidence indicates that AT may curb addictive behaviors temporarily. In a 2017 study, researchers found that ECC may help treat AUD. After only five sessions, participants reported reduced appetite for alcohol and remained sober for 12 months in 69% of cases. However, research on the long-term effectiveness of AT for other addiction-related behaviors is scarce.
The Gray Area of Aversion Therapy
Despite potential benefits, AT remains a controversial approach due to ethical concerns. Critics argue that it employs punishment as therapy, which they believe is unethical. Historically, "conversion therapy"—a form of AT that aimed to change one's sexual orientation—has been a subject of debate. While homosexuality was once classified as a mental health disorder (until 1973), many people were compelled or chose to undergo conversion therapy out of shame or social stigma. Consequently, mental health professionals condemn its continued use and advocate for laws banning it in all U.S. states[1].
The controversy surrounds the use of AT as a treatment for addiction-related behaviors as well. Some experts consider it unethical due to its inherent nature of causing psychological or physical discomfort[1]. Nevertheless, the practice of aversion therapy persists in certain circles.
Frequently Asked Questions
The success rate of AT differs depending on the specific behavior being addressed. No concrete success rates are available. However, a 2016 review reported that AT does not appear to be an effective long-term treatment for nicotine addiction or overeating[1].
Side effects of AT vary depending on the type of treatment administered. Potential side effects include pain or discomfort, nausea and vomiting (in the case of ECC), and fear or anxiety as a person learns to anticipate the negatively pleasant stimulus.
- Psychotherapy, in its unconventional form, employs aversion therapy (AT) to combat habits, such as alcohol misuse and dependency (AUD), compulsive gambling, and chronic nail biting.
- Aversion therapy (AT) operates by associating undesirable behaviors with unpleasant experiences to discourage the behaviors, like the use of graphic warning labels on cigarette packages.
- In 2022, many health-and-wellness and mental-health professionals advocate for alternative therapies and treatments, like aversion therapy, to address various disorders.
- Emetic counter conditioning (ECC), a form of AT, reduces alcohol cravings by linking drinking with nausea and vomiting, as found in a 2017 study.
- The practice of aversion therapy has come under ethics scrutiny, as it causes discomfort and some experts consider it unethical, particularly in cases involving addiction-related behaviors.
- Despite concerns, the science of psychology and psychiatry continues to explore and develop various treatments and therapies-and-treatments, including aversion therapy, to help individuals break habits and live healthier lives.
- While aversion therapy may provide temporary relief from addictive behaviors, its long-term effectiveness for a wide range of behaviors, such as nicotine addiction or overeating, is not yet conclusive, according to a 2016 review.
