Lower Cost Contingency Management in a Group Setting

Description:
This study evaluates the efficacy of prize contingency management (CM) in enhancing attendance, reducing drug use, and improving health among clients attending an HIV drop-in center. 172 clients are randomly assigned to one of two 6-month treatment conditions: standard 12-step oriented group treatment, or CM group treatment. In the CM group, clients earn the chance to win prizes for submitting clean urine specimens and for complying with steps toward their treatment goals. Activities related to improving health are emphasized, such as attending medical appointments, recording daily medication consumption, getting prescriptions filled, and attending medication adherence support groups. Group attendance, drug use, medical problems, services received, and risky drug use and sexual behaviors are measured pre-treatment and at months 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12.