Group-Based CM for Substance Abuse Treatment

Description:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of prize-based contingency management (CM) when administered exclusively in groups. Substance dependent patients (N=360) at community-based treatment programs are randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (a) standard, non-CM treatment or (b) standard treatment plus prize CM delivered in groups. In the CM condition, patients earn the opportunity to win prizes ranging from $1 to $100 in value for attending groups and submitting drug-free biological specimens. Substance use and psychosocial problems are measured at intake, month 1, month 3 (post treatment), and at 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up evaluations. Patient characteristics that may be associated with improved outcomes within and across conditions are also assessed.