The application of covert conditioning procedures to the outpatient treatment of drug addicts: four case studies.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of covert conditioning procedures in the outpatient treatment of drug addicts who wished to decrease or cease use of drugs. A desensitization design proved unsuccessful in reducing craving in an opiate user with a 2-year history of abuse. Three sensitization designs with addicts who had abused opiates from 2 to 13 years produced no more than a temporary decrease in drug craving or taking. Although there appeared to be some potency in the application of covert aversive counterconditioning and mixed aversive conditioning, the procedures were not capable of producing an enduring decrease in drug craving or taking in any of the subjects. Problems in the outpatient treatment of drug addicts using covert conditioning procedures are discussed. Recommendations for further study are made, with an emphasis on use of a multiform approach.