Contingency Management

Question 1

How do you treat substance abuse?

Answer 1

• Pharmacological intervention
• -> Methadone for opiate addiction (“opiate substitution therapy”)
• -> Antidepressants
• A comprehensive approach entails targeting the pharmacological effects of drugs and addressing schedules of alternative reinforcement

Question 2

What is contingency management?

Answer 2

• Contingency management (CM) interventions are effective in treating substance abuse
• Empirically validated psychosocial intervention
• In the UK, NICE-recommended

Question 3

How does contingency management work?

Answer 3

• CM treatments involve tangible reinforcers (e.g. vouchers) exchangeable for retail goods and services contingent on abstinence

1. Target behaviour are defined and environment arranged
2. Tangible reinforcers are provided contingent on demonstration of target behaviour
3. Incentives are withheld when target behaviour is absent

Question 4

What are the practical concerns of contingency management?

Answer 4

1. Cost

2. Generalisability and acceptability