Covert sensitization in group treatment of adolescent drug abusers

Seven self-referred males with long-standing histories of excessive use of amphetamines, LSD, and marijuana participated in an experiment dealing with the behavioral procedures of covert sensitization in group treatment. LSD usage did not change during a 14-week precovert-sensitization treatment program. The group then received covert sensitization in 11 sessions within a 6-week period, with all members reporting no LSD usage or desire to take LSD. A 6 to 18-month follow-up indicated that six subjects had not taken LSD. Two subjects reported self-administration of covert sensitization procedures at home to develop aversions to other drugs and were completely drug-free. The seventh subject could not be located. The practical advantages of using covert sensitization procedures in group treatment of drug users within the school setting are discussed.