The goal of the conditioning process is to make the individual associate the stimulus with unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations.
People naturally tend to avoid pain and seek pleasure.
Aversion therapy works by interrupting this reward-pleasure system.
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Instead of experiencing positive feelings, aversion therapy adds a negative experience to the situation.
The goal is to make people less likely to engage in the problematic behavior.
It’s the idea behind medications that can help people with alcohol problems stop drinking.
It can also be dangerous or harmful in some situations.
How Does Aversion Therapy Work?
How long it takes for aversion therapy to be effective can vary depending on the behavior and the situation.
Research suggests that you may begin seeing some results after around four treatments.
Types of Aversion Therapy
There are a variety of different types of aversion therapy.
In such cases, people may wear an elastic band around the wrist.
How Effective Is Aversion Therapy?
Aversion therapy has shown some success in the treatment of alcohol use problems.
In one study, around 60% of participants were still sober a year after treatment.
The results for other health concerns, including obesity and smoking, have been less promising.
It has also been ineffective in treating obesity and other lifestyle behaviors.
Ethical issues over the use of punishments in therapy are also a significant concern.
In other instances, some patients have also experienced anger and hostility during treatment.
Aversion therapy has also been misused to create tremendous harm toLGBTQIA+ people.
This practice is traumatic and unethical.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
First and foremost, it’s important to find a therapist who is trained and experienced with this practice.
It is also essential to be aware of other behavior change alternatives that can be helpful.
Find out which option is the best for you.
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American Psychological Association.Banning sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts.
Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.
