Pharmacological extinction

Pharmacological extinction is a process by which addictions are unlearned (extinguished) through the technique of allowing the addicted person to perform the behaviors which are the target of the addiction, while blocking the neurochemical reward system with appropriate chemicals.

Application

The Primary application of this technique is used to treat alcoholism, gambling addiction, kleptomania, and other endorphin based addictions. This is accomplished through the use of naltrexone or noloxone as an endorphin blocking agent, and then allowing the sufferer to continue to follow their urges. As the addicted person follows the addiction without the endorphin reinforcement, the triggers are "Defused", and the desire to perform those behaviors is lessened. Over time, the urge towards the behavior is reduced to that of normal background desires.

Alcoholism

Pharmacological extinction is used to treat alcoholism by taking a naltrexone pill an hour before drinking and following normal drinking habits. This technique was developed by Finland's National Institute for Health and Welfare in Helsinki in the 1980s, but has gained little support outside of Finland, largely because it diverges from standard alcoholism treatments by not requiring the drinker to immediately stop drinking, and it is incompatible with detoxification.

This treatment is currently being practiced under the name of The Sinclair Method, with other practical considerations applied.

Gambling Addiction

The use of opiate antagonists to deplete gambling urges is currently under study at