Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam Practice Questions 2026 – Your Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Aversive conditioning is a therapeutic technique used in behavioral therapy that involves associating an undesirable behavior with an unpleasant or aversive stimulus. In this context, using negative rewards for unwanted behavior is a core component. This approach aims to decrease the occurrence of the unwanted behavior by creating an unpleasant experience tied to it. Over time, the individual begins to link the behavior with negative feelings, which ideally reduces the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.

To further understand the context, providing positive reinforcement for desired behavior, as mentioned in another option, is the opposite of aversive conditioning. Positive reinforcement rewards good behavior rather than discouraging negative behavior. Focusing on cognitive restructuring involves changing negative thought patterns rather than directly addressing behavior through aversive means. Implementing mindfulness techniques deals with awareness and presence in the moment, which does not relate to the principles of aversive conditioning where the focus is on creating a negative response toward specific behaviors. Thus, the correct choice aligns directly with the primary function of aversive conditioning in behavioral therapy.