Community reinforcement therapy for cocaine-dependent outpatients

Stephen T Higgins¹, Stacey C Sigmon, Conrad J Wong

¹Departments of Psychiatry, Medical Biostatistics, and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05401, USA. stephen.higgins@uvm.edu

|October 15, 2003

Summary

Community Reinforcement Therapy (CRA) combined with vouchers improved treatment retention and psychosocial functioning for cocaine dependence. While cocaine use reduction was limited to the treatment period, benefits in employment and reduced legal issues persisted.

Area of Science:

Addiction medicine
Behavioral therapy
Substance abuse treatment

Background:

Cocaine dependence poses significant public health challenges.
Outpatient treatment models are crucial for managing substance use disorders.
The Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) is a recognized behavioral therapy for addiction.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the efficacy of Community Reinforcement Therapy (CRA) within a voucher-based incentive program for cocaine dependence.
To determine the added benefits of CRA when combined with incentives compared to incentives alone.

Main Methods:

A randomized controlled trial involving 100 cocaine-dependent outpatients.
Comparison of two groups: CRA + vouchers versus vouchers only.
Assessment of drug use and psychosocial functioning over 2 years post-treatment.

Main Results:

CRA + vouchers group showed improved treatment retention and reduced cocaine use during treatment.
Significant reductions in heavy drinking, increased employment, and fewer legal problems were observed in the CRA + vouchers group.
Depressive symptoms decreased during treatment for those receiving CRA + vouchers.

Conclusions:

Combining CRA with voucher-based incentives offers significant therapeutic benefits for cocaine-dependent individuals.
The integrated approach positively impacts substance abuse and psychosocial functioning during and after treatment.
While direct cocaine use benefits were mainly during treatment, broader life improvements were sustained.

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Community reinforcement therapy for cocaine-dependent outpatients

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Related Experiment Videos

Community reinforcement therapy for cocaine-dependent outpatients

Area of Science:

Background:

Purpose of the Study:

Main Methods:

Main Results:

Conclusions:

Related Concept Videos

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