Cue Exposure Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorders: What Can Be Learned from Exposure Therapy for Anxiety Disorders?

Conclusions: There are theoretical and practical similarities between exposure to fear cues and cues of addiction, especially regarding extinction learning. However, these processes are also unique, particularly regarding the differing motivational properties of fear versus reward-related stimuli. We propose that unlike exposure for anxiety, CET takes effect by increasing self-control with each unreinforced exposure. We consider reasons for CET's limited use for AUDs, including its lower acceptability to clients and clinicians. We also note the limited evidence for CET for other substance use disorders, highlighting the need for continued investigation into its mechanisms and efficacy. PMID: 31259660 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Substance Use and Misuse - Category: Addiction Tags: Subst Use Misuse Source Type: research