Tuten, L. M., Jones, H. E., Schaeffer, C. M., & Stitzer, M. L. (2012). Contingency management to improve treatment outcomes. In L. M. Tuten, H. E. Jones, C. M. Schaeffer, & M. L. Stitzer, Reinforcement-based treatment for substance use disorders: A comprehensive behavioral approach (pp. 109-120). Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/13088-006
The primary objective of Reinforcement-Based Treatment (RBT) is to shift contingencies in the individual’s environment such that non-drug-using behaviors (e.g., spending time with friends and family, employment) are more reinforcing than drug use. Although this objective appears simplistic, a host of interventions are needed to make this shift in environmental conditions. Contingency management (CM) is an essential component of RBT for reinforcing abstinence and abstinence-related behaviors (e.g., attending treatment,accomplishing treatment goals). In this chapter, we review (a) the uses for CM in the context of substance abuse treatment, (b) example populations in which incentives have been studied, (c) the evidence base for using incentives (including low-cost incentives),(d) the steps for successful implementation of incentives, and (e) pitfalls to avoid when implementing incentive programs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)