title: Behavioral therapies for substance abuse.
abstract: The authors review more than two decades of research in the use of behavioral interventions for the treatment of drug and alcohol abuse. This survey covers major areas of research activity, including the use of aversive stimuli (chemical, electrical, and covert), skills training, contingency management, extinction/desensitization, and combined behavioral treatments. The reviewers conclude that while many of these treatment interventions hold promise, few have been fully explored with the use of properly controlled group studies. Suggestions are offered which may facilitate research and aid in the evaluation of behavioral interventions for substance abuse.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Childress
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: McLellan
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: O'Brien
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000628:therapy; D001242:Assertiveness; D001348:Aversive Therapy / Q000379:methods; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003214:Conditioning, Classical; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic; D004597:Electroshock; D004640:Emetine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005108:Extinction, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007486:Ipecac / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008094:Lithium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000628:therapy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D013390:Succinylcholine / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D009271:Naltrexone; D007486:Ipecac; D008094:Lithium; D013390:Succinylcholine; D004640:Emetine