Behavior Modification
This technique is widely used in addiction treatment centers, simply because it has proven so effective. Its purpose is to help addicts develop new ways of coping with situations that had previously led to drug using behavior.
In its most basic application, this approach allows a counselor to assist the addict in replacing an undesirable behavior (in this case, drug use) with a more desirable course of action. This can be accomplished through positive or negative reinforcement (rewarding or punishing the addict based on the outcome of a specific situation).
This approach differs from cognitive therapy, which addresses the motivation or cause for the undesirable behavior. The objective of this approach is simply to change a specific pattern of behavior. It works like this:
The counselor will ask the addict to recall the last occasion he or she used drugs. The addict will then be instructed to focus on his or her thoughts and behaviors immediately preceding the decision to use. For example, the addict may have recalled an angry argument with a family member.
To avoid the unpleasant feelings associated with the argument (anger, fear, helplessness or sadness), the addict follows a predictable pattern of behavior: he or she uses a drug to achieve a feeling of euphoria (or simply numbness) to block out the unpleasant emotions. To the addict, this seems to solve the problem.
However, consequences always follow the use of drugs. This may bring on another argument, provide another reason for self-loathing or self-pity—there may even be the potential for criminal penalties.
The counselor asks the addict what choices he or she could< have made, other than turning to drugs. These choices are explored, seeking the most desirable behavior among those suggested by the addict. The addict then mentally “re-runs” this situation, to see how and when the more positive, life-affirming choice could have been made.
Even if an addict should relapse during treatment which may be seen as a negative choice), this technique can be applied to help the addict understand that the decision to remain in treatment (certainly a positive choice in this circumstance) can be seen as movement toward effectively modifying behavior patterns.
Combined with cognitive therapy—to uncover the physical and emotional triggers that cause the addict to choose drugs as a coping mechanism—behavior modification is a simple and effective tool for learning new ways of responding to these “triggers.”