Enhancing the treatment attendance of mentally ill chemical abusers

J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 1990 Sep;21(3):205-9. doi: 10.1016/0005-7916(90)90008-9.

Abstract

Patients dually-diagnosed with mental illness and chemical abuse often comply poorly with treatment. The present study tested the hypothesis that attendance at a day treatment program could be increased by offering modest incentives for regular participation. Fifty-three patients, enrolled in a voluntary day treatment program for the mentally ill chemical abuser, were studied for twelve weeks. Attendance was monitored for (a) 4 weeks prior to the incentive intervention; (b) 4 weeks during which an incentive was provided for regular attendance; and (c) 4 weeks following the incentive. The incentive consisted of modest rewards (e.g., coupons from a local restaurant) offered at the end of the week to all patients who attended the program for at least 5 hours a day on at least 3 days in a given week. The results demonstrated that modest incentives can enhance the attendance patterns of the dually-diagnosed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcoholism / psychology
  • Alcoholism / rehabilitation*
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs*
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Mental Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance / psychology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Token Economy

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs