The influencing of cognitive and psychophysiological parameters through covert therapy procedures in drug addicts

The effectiveness of a cognitive extinction technique has been examined in 10 opiate-dependent patients through a multifactorial approach. With the help of the method of semantic-differential it has been examined whether the position of drug-specific concepts was altered in the semantic space, in the sense of a change of attitude in the course of therapy. Relevant common concepts were used as a control. Taking into account the importance of psychophysiological factors upon the onset and course of drug addiction, we have examined the effectiveness of the therapy on the physiological level through the measurement of electrodermal activity and heart rate during the presentation of typical drug situations. For control purposes, measurements were made during presentation of non-drug-typical, but emotionally laden, situations. The results showed significant cognitive changes in the sense of a change of attitude and a significant reduction of the psychophysiological activation.