Drug Addiction: II. An Aversive Counterconditioning Technique for Treatment

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Abstract
Literature suggested that despite the multiplicity of treatment approaches to drug addiction, there appears to be an over-reliance on group therapies for bringing about change in addicts' behavior. Based upon a learning theory framework developed earlier, a broad-spectrum behavioral approach utilizing aversive counterconditioning and behavioral group therapy for treating drug addiction were described. Of 50 subjects beginning treatment, 30 completed, 13 male and 17 female blacks ( Mage = .22.5 yr.) from a poor socioeconomic background. An aversive counterconditioning procedure was used, which involved the administration of a mild electric shock to the wrist while subjects verbalized and imaginally relived past drug-using experiences. Group therapy attempted to modify the addicts' prodrug attitudes and behaviors as well as to train appropriate coping skills via rational emotive therapy and problem-solving techniques. Initial results suggested that aversive counterconditioning produced an avoidance response to drug-related thoughts and activities. Most important was the extremely low readdiction rate reported for a 2-yr. follow-up. Caution in generalization is required as the project was nonexperimental. Shortcomings limiting conclusions were presented.