The Use of Covert Conditioning in the Treatment of Drug Abuse

Abstract

It appears that behavioral techniques show some promise in treating drug abuse. Recently the covert conditioning procedures have been employed to modify drug-taking behavior. Covert conditioning procedures involve the manipulation of imagery in a manner similar to the overt operant procedures. The covert conditioning procedures of covert sensitization, covert positive reinforcement, and covert extinction are described, and studies presented where these procedures have been applied to the treatment of drug abuse. The studies cited involve various drug-taking behavior such as heroin, amphetamine (intravenously injected), and LSD. A behavioral model is presented concerning the application of a number of behavioral techniques to modify the antecedents and consequences of drug-taking behavior. It is indicated that a comprehensive drug treatment approach should also use the behavioral procedures to insure educational, vocational, social, and sexual and marital adjustment.