Aversion Therapy - Alcohol Addiction

• What is aversion therapy?

  > based on classical conditioning

  > aims to remove undesirable behaviors

  > uses an emetic drug: disulfiram - which brings an aversive (Unpleasant) response
• How is disulfiram administered?

  > under supervision

  > clinical setting

  > may first have to undergo detoxification before treatment starts
• What is disulfiram?


  > given before they consume alcohol

  > a small sip triggers a chemical reaction leading to; nausea, shortness of breath, vomiting, headache

  > effects could last several hours
• What is the result of using disulfiram?

  alcohol will be associated with the aversive response

  > addict will no longer find drinking alcohol enjoyable
• What is the tolerance of disulfiram?

  > has no tolerance

  > longer it is taken, the stronger its effect

  > absorbed slowly and could last up to 2 weeks

  > should not be given if alcohol has been consumed in the previous 12 hours
• What does the therapy aspect involve?

  > receives regular therapy sessions, an hour long

  > part of a treatment program which often includes counselling
• PARAGRAPH 1

  A01

  - aversion therapy + clinical supervision

  AO3 +

  - Frawley & Smith: 81% of alcohol addicts remained abstinent for at least 6 months, 71% for 20 months. Shows long-term effectiveness

  Development point +

  - success rate was less than 100%, significant number relapsed so therapy didn't help

  AO3 -

  - Smith: meta-analysis of 475 studies on psychotherapy. Found it effective in psychological well being.

  Development point -

  - secondary data = uncertainty about the validity
• PARAGRAPH 2

  AO1

  - disulfiram

  AO3 +

  - relatively quick treatment compared to psychotherapy. Reduces likelihood of alcoholics dropping out

  AO3 -

  - patient should undergo detoxification first which creates unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Unethical as it causes physical distress
• PARAGRAPH 3

  AO1

  - tolerance + therapy sessions

  AO3 +

  - eclectic approach: counselling alongside drug treatment. Most effective when combined

  AO3 -

  - drug alone does not address personal and social issues, palliative - addict may not know any coping kills so they will be susceptible to relapse.
• CONCLUSION


  AO3 +

  - covert sensitisation: addict is not made physically sick instead they imagine being sick - more ethical

  AO3 -

  - high level of social control, clinician has expert power over the addict. Make addict feel unduly pressured