> They compared electric shock aversion therapy with covert sensitisation in treating gambling addiction
> It was found that in a one year follow up; those who had received covert sensitisation were significantly more likely to have reduced their gambling activities (90% covert sensitisation compared to 30% aversion therapy)
> Therefore, suggesting covert sensitisation is more effective behavioural intervention for treating gambling addiction compared to aversion therapy
Behavioural interventions AO3
:) Suitable for most
> A non-invasive treatment
> For example, if an individual is pregnant, covert sensitisation is unlikely to harm the foetus, unlike aversion therapy as stress and pain or vomiting from the mother during pregnancy can lead to negative physical and emotional effects on the baby.
> Therefore, covert sensitisation may be seen as a more appropriate way of reducing addiction compared to aversion therapy
Behavioural interventions AO3
:( Require motivation and commitment
> The patient has to commit to attending sessions and work with the therapist to unlearn their addictive behaviour whilst placing themselves in aversive situations such as felling sick or receiving electric shocks
> Unlike drug therapy which requires less commitment and motivation as the patient is only required to take a tablet or wear a nicotine patch in order to reduce their addiction
> Individuals may drop out of behavioural intervention therapies, thus reducing their effectiveness as a method of reducing addiction
