For anyone struggling with an addiction, learning how to make healthier choices is a big part of the treatment experience. Aversion therapy is one type of therapy that can be used to support healthier choices. It works by breaking the cycle of bad choices by aligning negative consequences to these unhealthy behaviors. Aversion therapy for alcohol, for example, can work alongside a number of other traditional talk therapies, behavioral therapies, and experiential therapies. It can be used to treat a substance use disorder on its own or as part of dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders. It’s quite common for both substance use and mental health issues to be present. Call on a professional treatment center like The Arbor to craft a customized treatment plan that works for you and your unique needs.
What Is Aversion Therapy?
This therapeutic approach has proven effective in treating substance use disorders, like an addiction to alcohol. It takes a negative behavior—like drinking alcohol—and pairs it with a negative consequence. When this pattern of behaviors and consequences continues to repeat itself, the negative behavior lessens and becomes less desirable.
The belief behind the therapy is that people prefer engaging in pleasurable behaviors versus ones that make them feel bad after they do it. Psychologists call this operant conditioning. Over time, people will choose healthier behaviors and ditch the bad behaviors for good.
Trained therapists lead aversion therapy programs for alcohol addiction, where they work with clients to set clear goals for their treatment and recovery. Treatment methods may be different from person to person, but the goal of recovery is the same.
What Is Aversion Therapy Used For?
In addition to alcohol addiction, aversion therapy can be used to treat many types of substance use disorders and other compulsive habits.
As much as the addictive behavior can become unappealing, it makes it easier for the addicted person to want to distance themselves from the behavior and find something healthier to replace it. Supporting sobriety is the goal of any therapy so that you can stay on the path of recovery. Other therapies can be used to complement aversion therapy, such as:
- Group therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Experiential therapies like yoga and equine therapy
- Relapse prevention
Different types of aversion therapy include rubber band aversion therapy and chemical aversion therapy. Rubber band therapy involves wearing a rubber band on the wrist and snapping it when one feels the impulse to drink alcohol. So, it’s a mild discomfort that is enough to discourage the behavior.
Chemical aversion therapy can also work in certain situations. It involves using a controlled medication called Antabuse that causes severe headaches and nausea if someone drinks alcohol. Both of these approaches can work quickly to reduce and eliminate someone’s desire to want a drink again. The aversions used do not need to be painful or aggressive. In fact, small aversions can be highly effective as part of the therapy.
Schedule an Evaluation for Aversion Therapy at The Arbor Today
The Arbor offers a variety of therapies for both substance use disorders and mental health disorders. Aversion therapy for alcohol (and for other substances) can be used to help those with behavioral challenges. This can be especially helpful for those with co-occurring disorders who will require dual diagnosis treatment. In addition to treating substance use disorders, aversion therapy can be used to treat eating disorders, compulsive behaviors, and gambling disorders. Associating unhealthy behaviors with negative consequences can help break a cycle of bad behavior associated with addiction and mental health challenges.
Learn more about what treatment options can look like by contacting The Arbor’s therapeutic team at 844.413.2690. You can also reach out using our online contact form. A team member will walk you through options so you can decide if aversion therapy is right for you.