An aversion-desensitization treatment for alcoholism.

Abstract

Twenty-one alcoholic patient volunteers in a state'hospital were given a mean of 11 hours of one of three treatments: (a) interpersonal aversion (in which 5 watched his own audiovideo-recorded drinking "confessions" while being systematically derogated by two therapists), followed immediately by systematic desensitization to drinking-related anxieties; (6) interpersonal aversion, followed by a control procedure consisting of friendly interaction; or (c) group discussion. A six-to ninemonth interview follow-up showed that five of the seven traceable 5s given the interpersonal aversion-systematic desensitization treatment had been abstinent, compared with only one of seven treated by the interpersonal aversion-control procedure. This significant difference was supported by changes on the Alcadd Test but not on the MMPI MacAndrew Alcoholism scale. Difficulties in contacting 5s for follow-up precluded complete comparisons with the group discussion 5s.

Modification of smoking behavior with an aversion-desensitization procedure.

“…The finding of a trend toward superiority of a treatment involving an aversion plus an anxiety reduction procedure over aversion alone is consistent with the results of another study just completed (Lanyon, Primo, Terrell, & Wener, 1972), in which hospitalized alcoholics who were given the dual treatment showed more lasting improvement than those who underwent aversion without desensitization. This finding thus appears to have some clinical applicability, although it is cautioned that the exact combination of procedures to be employed with any particular patient should be based on a careful examination of his unique combination of problems.…”

Motivation for treatment: A review with special emphasis on alcoholism.

“…Lanyon, Primo, Terrell, and Wener (1972) similarly found no benefit from a VSC intervention with alcoholics, relative to a nonrandom comparison group not receiving VSC. When VSC was combined with training in systematic desensitization, however, five of eight clients retained abstinence, whereas only one each abstained in the comparison and VSC-only groups.…”

MMPI characteristics of alcoholics: A review.

“…Data from several studies have provided information about what the MAC scale is not measuring. Although several of the MAC items deal with behaviors that could be the result of excessive alcohol use, the scale, as a whole, is not primarily reflecting the short-term or long-term consequences of alcohol misuse (Chang, Caldwell, & Moss, 1973; Huber & Danahy, 1975; Lanyon, Primo, Terrell, & Wener, 1972; Rohan, 1972; Rohan et al, 1969; Vega, 1971). Uecker et al (1980) reported that MAC scores were not related to years of heavy drinking for their alcoholic subjects.…”