What is cue exposure therapy?

Cue exposure therapy is a behavioral treatment designed to help individuals manage and reduce cravings associated with substance use. The primary goal of this approach is to gradually expose a person to cues or triggers associated with their substance use, such as environmental factors, people, or situations that could lead to cravings. Through repeated exposure to these cues in a controlled and safe environment, individuals learn to develop healthier responses and reduce their desire to use substances.

This method is grounded in the principles of classical conditioning, where the individual learns to dissociate the cues from the substance use itself, thereby diminishing the craving that those cues may provoke. The structured exposure helps the individual confront their triggers and learn that they can experience cravings without engaging in substance use, which can ultimately lead to improved self-control and coping strategies.

The other options do not align with the definition or purpose of cue exposure therapy. For instance, it is not a method for increasing substance use, evaluating treatment options, or a form of medication management, which focuses more on pharmacological interventions rather than behavioral techniques.