Treatment of polydrug abuse and addiction by covert sensitization: some contraindications

Three polydrug abusers undergoing treatment at a drug-free residential facility were administered covert sensitization as an alternative procedure to aversive counterconditioning with faradic stimulation. The clients were able to relax extremely well but experienced difficulties imagining aversive scenes subsequent to the first presentation. Hypnosis was induced and clients were able to imagine every presentation clearly and exhibited some behavioral reactions to suggestions. Two of the three clients remained drug-free for 1 1/2 years and 3 years; and the third relapsed after 1 1/2 years but returned for treatment and is now drug-free. It is suggested that covert sensitization with hypnosis may be a more effective procedure with such recalcitrant behavior disorders as polydrug abuse and addiction.