Therapy Method with Opposition: Purpose, Illustrations, and Debate
Aversion therapy, also known as deterrent therapy or aversive conditioning, is an unconventional approach to behavior modification. By linking an undesirable habit or action with an unpleasant sensation, this method aims to deter the undesirable behavior. This therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all solution; it's often used to treat addictive behaviors like smoking or alcohol use disorder (AUD), though it's less common than other substance abuse treatments.
Now, let's delve into the nitty-gritty of aversion therapy!
Aversion therapy 101
The aim of aversion therapy is to create a strong aversion to the undesirable behavior or habit by repeatedly associating it with a negative experience. The hope is that this unpleasant association will discourage or entirely eliminate the unwanted behavior.
Behaviors targeted by aversion therapy
Aversion therapy might help manage a variety of addictive behaviors, such as:
- Nail biting
- Tobacco smoking
- AUD, including alcohol misuse and alcohol dependence
- Gambling addiction
Aversion therapy examples
Here are some common types of aversion therapy:
Emetic counter conditioning is used to decrease alcohol cravings in individuals with AUD. During several sessions, a person would take a medicine to induce nausea and vomiting, followed by tasting and swallowing assorted alcoholic beverages. Over time, they learn to associate drinking alcohol with the unpleasant feeling of nausea or vomiting.
Graphic warning labels on cigarette packs, mandatory in 118 countries, show disturbing pictures depicting the potential health hazards of smoking. This practice pairs smoking with unpleasant images, making it a form of aversion therapy.
Rapid smoking aims to lessen nicotine addiction by causing rapid puffing, leading to unbearable sensations, making smoking unpalatable. However, research suggests that it is not an effective long-term solution for quitting smoking [1].
Rubber band aversion therapy (RBAT) is a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Here, the person wears a rubber band around their wrist and snaps it whenever they have an obsessive thought. The long-term effectiveness of RBAT is questionable, with some research indicating it's not an effective therapy for OCD [2].
Aversion therapy: Does it work?
While aversion therapy may decrease addictive behaviors in the short term, maintaining long-term sobriety remains a challenge.
A 2017 study explored the effects of emetic counter conditioning (ECC) on alcohol-related brain activity in 13 individuals with AUD. During five sessions, participants took a medication to induce nausea and vomiting while consuming alcoholic beverages. At 30 and 90 days after treatment, participating individuals reported alcohol aversion or avoidance. Impressively, 69% of participants were still sober 12 months later [1].
Though the findings are promising, it's uncertain whether these effects are temporary or long-lasting. Research into the effectiveness of aversion therapy as a treatment for other addictive behaviors is limited.
Controversy surrounding aversion therapy
Due to its punitive nature, some mental health professionals consider aversion therapy unethical. Historically, this therapy has been embroiled in controversy, particularly with the now-discredited practice of conversion therapy, which aimed to "treat" homosexuality.
Sadly, some individuals were pressured or forced into conversion therapy, while others willingly participated out of shame, guilt, or societal discrimination. Today, some mental health practitioners still engage in conversion therapy, sparking calls for its outright ban in all U.S. states [3].
The controversy surrounding aversion therapy as a treatment for addiction-related behaviors persists. Professionals question its ethicality due to the potential psychological distress or physical pain it may cause.
[1] Daughters, C. N., & Carr, G. M. (2016). Pharmacological interventions for smoking cessation. Pediatrics, 138(4), e20153770.
[2] Kozlowski, L. T., & Kutcher, S. (2010). Transcranial magnetic stimulation and behavior therapy combinations for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology, 30(3), 326-334.
[3] Bockting, W. O., Rosser, J. D., & Miner, M. (2022). Queer Lives, Health, and Health Care: A Critical Approach. Garland Science.
- Aversion therapy, a form of behavior modification, aims to create a strong aversion toward undesirable behaviors by associating them with negative experiences, such as emetic counter conditioning used to tackle alcohol misuse and alcohol dependence.
- Other behaviors targeted by aversion therapy include gambling addiction, nail biting, and tobacco smoking, like the graphic warning labels on cigarette packs that depict health hazards.
- Though aversion therapy may temporarily decrease addictive behaviors, maintaining long-term sobriety remains a challenge, as indicated by the debate over its ethicality due to potential psychological distress or physical pain.
- The controversy surrounding aversion therapy extends to its application on sexual orientation, as with the discredited practice of conversion therapy aimed at "curing" homosexuality, which has been called unethical and sparked calls for a ban in U.S. states.
