Learning Alternate Memories to Replace Problem Memories

Emerging research suggests a method to prevent relapse to an old harmful behavior is to match a new behavior to the originating stimulus.
Researchers base the new approach on the fact that behavior associated with addictions, phobias, and even post-traumatic stress disorder are difficult to treat. And the unwanted behaviors can be painful and harmful problems.

Another reason for a new approach is that in therapy, a person may suppress the association between the stimulus and the response — say, a bar with ashtrays and smoking — by learning to pair the stimulus with a new memory not involving smoking.
However, once out in the world, faced with bars and ashtrays aplenty, an individual can easily relapse into the old behavior. A traditional approach has been to counsel the individual to avoid locations and stimuli that trigger the harmful behavior — unfortunately, this is often a difficult task.

Tratto da: "psychcentral.com" - Prosegui nella lettura dell'articolo