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Recently I came across a device that claims it can help you break addictions via voluntary electric shocks: https://pavlok.com

It seems plausible that it could work, but it's suspicious that the site doesn't address the most obvious question: Wouldn't I just stop shocking myself? Curious if any HNers have tried this thing.

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Hey -- I'm the founder of Pavlok. When trying to quit a habit for good, you follow the aversion protocol -- You enable the Aversion mode. 5 minutes a day of intentionally doing the habit, while the device zaps.

This creates an aversion, similar to getting so sick from drinking a type of alcohol that you don't want to do it again.

If you decide to not use it, of course it can't work. However, the vast majority of users who complete the 5 day protocol register no desire or craving for the old habit, even a year later. You can read some more studies on our device specifically, and aversion in general, at pavlok.com/science.

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