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reducing addiction behavioural interventions Flashcards

(6 cards)

1
Q

How does aversion therapy work based on behaviourist/classical conditioning principles?

A

A noxious stimulus (UCS) is paired with an undesired behaviour (NS). The UCS causes an unpleasant response (UCR). Through association, the NS becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) producing an unpleasant conditioned response (CR), leading to avoidance of the CS to stop the unpleasant feeling.

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2
Q

Using alcohol addiction, explain the classical conditioning components in aversion therapy.

A

Disulfiram = UCS, Alcohol use = NS (then CS), Vomiting = UCR and CR. The unpleasant vomiting response is conditioned to alcohol, reducing drinking.

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3
Q

What are the stages of covert sensitisation in aversion therapy?

A

1) Relaxation, 2) Imaginal exposure to addictive behaviour, 3) Imagined aversive consequences (illness, social loss, legal trouble), 4) Imagined positive alternatives to addiction.

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4
Q

What did Mutchler (2016) find about aversion therapy effectiveness?

A

Disulfiram reduced alcohol consumption more than anti-craving drugs, but placebo groups (thinking they took disulfiram) also reduced drinking equally, suggesting expectancy effects play a role, not just conditioning.

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5
Q

What is a key limitation of aversion therapy in explaining and treating addiction?

A

It only targets behaviour (based on behaviourism), ignoring cognitive, social, or biological causes. Without ongoing aversive stimuli or imagination, original addictive associations can return, leading to relapse.

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6
Q

What ethical/practical concerns exist with aversion therapy?

A

It causes actual harm (vomiting, liver damage), so clients must be highly motivated and willing. Covert sensitisation demands strong imagination and motivation, limiting its suitability.

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