Contingent reinforcement increases cocaine abstinence during outpatient treatment and 1 year of follow-up

J Consult Clin Psychol. 2000 Feb;68(1):64-72. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.68.1.64.

Abstract

This study assessed whether contingent incentives can be used to reinforce cocaine abstinence in dependent outpatients. Seventy cocaine-dependent outpatients were randomized into 2 conditions. All participants received 24 weeks of treatment and 1 year of follow-up. The treatment provided to all participants combined counseling based on the community reinforcement approach with incentives in the form of vouchers exchangeable for retail items. In 1 condition, incentives were delivered contingent on cocaine-free urinalysis results, whereas in the other condition incentives were delivered independent of urinalysis results. Abstinence-contingent incentives significantly increased cocaine abstinence during treatment and 1 year of follow-up compared with noncontingent incentives.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motivation*
  • Reinforcement Schedule
  • Substance Abuse Detection
  • Token Economy*