Summary

The development of the conditioned reflex aversion treatment of alcoholism at the Schick Shadel Hospital in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. is reviewed. This treatment is based on Pavlovian principles which must be strictly adhered to if true aversion is to be attained. The unconditioned stimulus (nausea and emesis induced by emetine injection, or painful electrical shock) must be timed to coincide exactly with the conditioned stimulus (the imbibing of alcoholic beverages). Aversion alone, however is not enough for a complete treatment program. We have, therefore, augmented this with pentothal interviews and a comprehensive program of individual and group counseling, informational orientation lectures, nutritional advice, and strong after-care support systems for recovery. Abstinence should not be a deprivation but rather a positive rewarding experience of life without alcohol.