Aversion therapy is a type of behavior therapy used to reduce or stop harmful habits by pairing them with something unpleasant. For example, a person who smokes might be given a bad-tasting substance while smoking. Over time, the brain connects the behavior with discomfort, reducing the desire to continue.
This technique is commonly used to treat addictions like smoking, alcohol, or nail-biting. It works by creating a negative association with the unwanted behavior.