THE CONDITIONED AVERSION TREATMENT IN CHRONIC ALCOHOLISM
(Preliminary Report of 100 Cases)
J. V. EDLIN M. D.1,
R. H. JOHNSON M. D.1,
P. HLETKO M. D.1, , and
G. HEILBRUNN M. D.1
1 The Chicago State Hospital, Chicago, Ill., and The University of Illinois, College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry.
Since the introduction of the aversion treatment fifteen months ago at this hospital, 15 percent of an unselected group of patients have remained abstinent for a period of five to fifteen months. An abstinence rate of 55 percent, however, was obtained in a selected group of patients with a commendable sociological background. A period of at least three months sobriety was obtained in 52 percent of all patients treated. The aversion treatment is regarded not as a therapy in itself but merely as a valuable method to interrupt the alcoholic cycle for a conjectural period of time, which should be utilized for intensive psychotherapy.
