Treatment method employing discomfort or negative associations: Intent, instances, and disputes
Lustful Lashback: Sifting Through the Shudder-Inducing Techniques of Aversion Therapy
Aversion therapy, aka "taking the joy out of vice," is a peculiar treatment that links undesirable behaviors with gut-wrenching experiences, aiming to eradicate such habits. This repressive technique is commonly used — or at least was once — to tackle addictions and curb excessive behaviors.
Drown in Vice, Dodge the Aftertaste
Aversion therapy, with aliases such as "aversive conditioning" and "deterrent therapy," plunges you into a vicious cycle of repetition: the more you indulge in your unhealthy habit, the more it'll make you want to hurl. Simple, right?
The therapy is most prevalent as a remedy for behavioral hurdles such as a nicotine addiction, alcohol misuse disorder, gambling addiction, and even nail-biting. However, it pales in comparison to other treatments for substance use disorders.
Historical Hiccup
Aversion therapy is storied with controversy, and ethics buffs are quick to question its moral compass. Questions linger about its durability as a long-term solution for substances abuse disorders.
What's the Deal with Aversion Therapy?
Aversion therapy works by slapping annoying, unpleasant experiences onto your naughty habits, in hopes you'll eventually be averse to them. But what bad habits can it whip into shape?
- Nail-biting
- Light 'em up - Smoking
- Boozy babble - Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
- Roll the dice one too many times - Gambling addiction
Servings of Shock, Anyone?
Here are a few smorgasbords of aversion therapy examples:
Sickening Sessions
This is a type of aversion therapy aimed at reducing alcohol cravings in people with AUD. In multiple sessions, individuals ingest a medicine that induces nausea and vomiting. They then sample a philharmonic variety of alcoholic beverages. The idea? Creating a grim link between drinking and the icky sensation of being unwell.
Picture Perfect Warning
Graphic warning labels on cigarette packages, featured in 118 countries, boast discouraging images of the grim consequences of smoking, such as jared lungs and gruesome tumors. A kind of aversion therapy because it associates the act of smoking with an unpleasant visual experience.
Speed Fright Therapy
Clapping cigarette puffs at breakneck speed triggers yucky sensations, thus lessening the desire for a smoke. This method's goal is to minimize nicotine dependence. However, recent studies suggest it's not an effective long-term cure for smoking cessation[3].
Rubber Band Ruckus
This aversion therapy for OCD forces wearers to snap a rubber band around their wrist every time they have a compulsive thought. The hope? The connection between obsessive thoughts and physical discomfort will gradually reduce the frequency of these thoughts[3]. Unfortunately, research shows this technique is ineffective for treating OCD.
Does It Work Though?
Research hints that aversion therapy can reign in addictive behaviors in the short term[1]. For instance, a small study investigated the impact of ECC on alcohol-triggered brain activity in 13 people with AUD. Although the results are promising, it's not clear if these effects will last the distance.
Furthermore, research into aversion therapy's efficacy for other addictive behaviors is comparatively sparse [2].
Controversy Strikes
Some mental health professionals are skeptical, as aversion therapy involves inflicting punishment as a form of therapy. It's worth mentioning that "conversion therapy," a form of aversion therapy previously used to treat homosexuality, was deemed a mental health disorder until 1973 [4].
The use of aversion therapy as a treatment for addiction-related behaviors is similarly doubted. Ethics wizards consider the treatment a questionable choice, as it administers an unpleasant stimulus that may bring psychological or physical discomfort.
FAQs
Success Rates: The success rate of aversion therapy varies depending on the addiction it's trying to address. There are few reliable success rates. However, a 2016 review notes that aversion therapy does not seem to be an effective long-term treatment for nicotine addiction or overeating.
Potential Side Effects: The side effects of aversion therapy depend on the type of therapy involved. Potential side effects include pain or discomfort, nausea and vomiting, and fear or anxiety as people learn to fear the negative stimulus.
Closing Thoughts
Aversion therapy, or purposely making a bad situation worse to combat a habit, is a peculiar treatment. Its effectiveness for certain addictions in the short-term is demonstrated, but its long-term success and ethical considerations remain debated. It's often used alongside other treatments to tackle recovery. Stick around for further tips and tricks on living a life free from addictive behaviors.
[1] Kvenngard, T. et al. “A Combination of Emotional Arousal, Intensity of Pavlovian Conditioning and Contingent Emetic Response For Acquiring Alcohol Aversion in Humans,” PLOS One, vol. 13, no. 6, 2018, e0199369. [2] Stpipling, Melanie et al. “Aversion Therapy for Substance Use Disorders,” Journal of Addiction Medicine, vol. 11, no. 4, 2017, pp. 252-260. [3] Levitt, H.M. “Aversion therapy in the treatment of addiction,” Medical Clinics of North America, vol. 94, no. 4, 2010, pp. 719-727. [4] "Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Behavioral Therapies for Alcohol Dependence," U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2020 [5] "Aversive Therapy," Psychology Today, 2020, [6] "Conversion Therapy," American Psychological Association, 2022, [7] "Banning Conversion Therapy," American Psychiatric Association, 2022
- As alternatives to aversion therapy, psychotherapy, psychology, psychiatry, and health-and-wellness practices have emerged as more accepted and effective treatments for various disorders.
- In 2022, mental health professionals may explore science-based therapies and treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), meditation, exercise, and mindfulness, to address mental health concerns.
- Aversion therapy, with its controversial history and questionable ethical considerations, remains a debated topic in the realm of mental health and wellness.
- The use of aversion therapy as a standalone treatment is often discouraged, as it may lead to psychological or physical discomfort without ensuring long-term recovery.
- Therapies and treatments for mental health disorders are constantly evolving, and mental health professionals strive to employ approaches that prioritize personal well-being and overall health.
- Despite controversy surrounding aversion therapy, science continues to investigate its potential uses in certain situations, offering insights into its effectiveness and ethical implications.
- In the pursuit of mental health and well-being, individuals should be aware of various treatment options, including aversion therapy, and weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully when making informed decisions about their mental health care.
