Title : Treating the triggers: The effects of exposure response prevention on reducing addictive cravings
Abstract:
Exposure Response Prevention is a behavior therapy technology that reduces a person’s pre-disposition to respond to a set of stimuli. For example, ERP has been used to treat phobias and compulsions by exposing the person to the phobic situation or thing (stimuli set) and then preventing them from executing their dysfunctional response.
This technology to the many forms of addictions like (Alcohol, cocaine, crack, marijuana, heroin, nicotine, sex, gambling, self-injurious behaviors & pills). One of the key hurdles a person must overcome is to remain substance free is to refrain from using when exposed to stimuli (people, places, & things) formerly conditioned to their substance abuse. Failure to behaviorally ignore such conditioned stimuli is the primary cause of relapse among substance abusers. The range of stimuli conditioned as triggers of substance abuse is varied and individualized. There are, however, common triggers. These are the sensory stimuli associated with the substance of choice, it acquisition and preparation for use. Secondly, there is the typical use setting, such as bars, time of day or special event. Finally emotional stressors while more individualized are another frequent trigger.
ERP is a new therapy that treats the triggers & can help people recover from drug and alcohol abuse when intelligently combined with other forms of treatment.
ERP Therapy helps a client extinguish his substance seeking behavior & impulses by systematically exposing them, in a controlled environment, to a sampling of the three sets of stimuli. It also reconditions the client’s cognitive self-talk over a period of sessions. ERP is an eclectic therapy that is another piece of the recovery process. It is compatible with community support groups like AA, NA, etc.
