Evaluating the relative effectiveness of three aversion therapies designed to reduce craving among cocaine abusers

Abstract

AbstractCrack cocaine use and dependence has been steadily increasing since the mid‐1980s. Treatment approaches vary from simple psychotherapy to intensive medication regimens. One clear phenomenon that has been implicated in the continued use and abuse of crack cocaine is craving. Craving is believed to be a response that has been conditioned with previous drug using episodes, and is elicited by environmental cues. The current study investigated the use of three aversion therapies (chemical, covert sensitization, and faradic) designed to eliminate craving for cocaine. Seventy subjects were randomly assigned to one of three aversion treatments or a relaxation control condition. Results indicate that aversion therapy reduces crack cocaine craving. The use of aversion therapy as an adjunct to traditional treatment programs for reducing craving is discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.