Reducing addiction

Question 1

What are the behavioural interventions to reducing addiction?

Answer 1

Aversion therapy:
- A type of behaviour therapy that stops people from doing something harmful by creating a negative association with that behaviour, this is by administering a controlled punishment when the person does the AB
- A drug called Disulfiram interferes with bodily processes so a person vomits when they drink
Covert sensitisation:
- This works by use of imagination to create a strong negative association with the behaviour
- The therapist guides the client through a detailed mental script where the client is to imagine they are doing the AB and they then are hit with the unpleasant consequence (e.g. a smoker violently vomiting when they think of cigars)

Question 2

What are the strengths and limits of both behavioural interventions in reducing addiction?

Answer 2

Strengths:
- AT has no physical symptoms or side effects
- CS is more effective at reducing gambling addiction than AT (McConhagy)
Limits:
- AT is ethically concerning
-High relapse rates: Behaviour may return once the unpleasant stimulus is removed

Question 3

What is the cognitive approach to reducing addiction?

Answer 3

Challenging irrational thoughts:
- Activating event -> Irrational belief -> Consequences -> Disputing irrational thoughts -> Effects of disputing
Homework: assignments outside of therapy that conflict with their irrational belief
Behavioural activation: skills training, replacing addiction with coping strategies (e.g. assertiveness training)
Unconditional positive regard: client should feel valued and worthy, therapist always agrees with client

Question 4

What are the strengths and limits of CBT to reducing addiction?

Answer 4

Strengths:
- Avoids ethical issues (e.g. aversion therapy)
- Effective at preventing relapse (the actual issue is addressed and not just symptoms)
Limits:
- High drop out rates as it required determination

Question 5

What is Prochaska’s model in changing behaviour towards addiction?

Answer 5

This model recognised that those who wanted to quit addiction had continually changing behaviour, and that the process of quitting is not quick or linear
Stage 1 = Precontemplation (aware of the problem with no intention to stop the behaviour)
Stage 2 = Contemplation (aware and trying to stop without taking action)
Stage 3 = Preparation (taking small steps towards to stop the AB)
Stage 4 = Action (stopping the addictive behaviour by changing it)
Stage 5 = Maintenance (ensures that the client’s motivation does not wane, relapse can occur)
Stage 6 = Termination (client refuses to relapse)

Question 6

What are the strengths and limits of Prochaska’s model?

Answer 6

Strengths:
- Views recovery as a dynamic process
- Face validity (views relapse realistically)
Limits:
- Counter (stages are arbitrary)
- Alternative research (Taylor found 6-stage model was no more effective than alternatives)

Question 7

What is the theory of planned behaviour for preventing addiction?

Answer 7

The model states that an AB is caused by an individual intending to do the AB, these intentions are fuelled by 3 factors:
- Personal attitudes (positive or negative view on AB)
- Subjective norms (approval/disapproval of close ones regarding the AB)
- Perceived behavioural control (self-efficacy)

Question 8

What are the strengths and limits of the TPB in preventing addiction?

Answer 8

Strengths:
- Research support (Hagger et al - positive correlation between factors and intention to limit drinking
Limits:
- Cannot explain how behaviours are caused by intention
- Reductionist