Behavioural Therapies Flashcards
What is aversion therapy?
It is used to treat addiction. The aim is to associate an undesirable behaviour with an undesirable stimulus.
What is covert sensitisation?
Follows the same basic principles as aversion therapy. However the unwanted stimulus is not actually there. The therapy relies on patients imagination and ability to visualise the negative consequences. It is less commonly used than aversion therapy.
Therapists verbally encourage the patient to imagine scenarios that get progressively worse. E.g. Feeling nauseous, gagging, being sick.
What was the new development that Badawy discovered in 1999?
Discovered drugs that make users sick if they mix them with alcohol, but also reward abstinence by inducing feelings of tranquility and well-being.
These compounds prevent alcohol from being properly converted within the body, turning it into a chemical that causes unpleasant effects such as nausea, vomiting and hot flushes.
How does Badawy’s drug act as positive reinforcement?
If you don’t drink alcohol and you take the drug you are rewarded with feelings of relaxation. This means you are likely not to continue drinking.
How does Badawy’s drug act as a punishment?
If you drink alcohol while taking the drug, it will make you sick. This means you will be less likely to drink.
How does Badawy’s drug act as negative reinforcement?
You stop going into situations where you have contact with alcohol e.g. a pub. Therefore, you are less likely to drink.
