Aversion therapy is a behavioral treatment that discourages unwanted behaviors by linking them to unpleasant stimuli.
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What Is Aversion Therapy?
Its most commonly used to treat addictions, like alcohol abuse, smoking, andcompulsive overeating.
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This method is used with careful monitoring, especially for more intense forms like electrical aversion therapy.
This helps discourage drinking.
Disulfiram is FDA-approved for this use.
For those trying to quitchewing tobacco, a chemical called apomorphine is often used.
When combined with tobacco, it causes nausea and vomiting.
Another example is administering shocks to the foot when someone tries to smoke.
This helps the person connect the behavior with unpleasant consequences.
Sensory therapy:In sensory therapy, a person associates an uncomfortable sensation with an unwanted behavior.
Who Is Aversion Therapy For?
It is also sometimes used to treatrepetitive self-harm behaviorsand aggression, particularly in people with intellectual disabilities.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of aversion therapy varies.
In some cases, the aversion fades over time, and people relapse into their old habits.
Critics argue that it doesn’t address the root cause of the behavior, only the symptoms.
However, for smoking cessation, aversion therapy has largely been abandoned.
While some short-term success has been reported, the created aversion often fades as people cognitively overcome the association.
Overall, aversion therapy has shown limited effectiveness in treating many lifestyle behaviors.
Critics argue that it can cross ethical lines, potentially causing lasting psychological harm without addressing the underlying issue.
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