Contingency Management

AKA: CM

A treatment method that uses rewards to reinforce positive behaviors like clean drug tests or session attendance.

In the context of addiction treatment:
Common in stimulant treatment (e.g., meth, cocaine) where medications are limited; clients earn vouchers or small prizes when they meet goals.

What to know:

  • Heavily evidence-based, especially for stimulant use disorders.

  • Rewards are usually modest but immediate and consistent.

Example:
A person earns points for each negative drug test and can trade them for grocery cards or bus passes.

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