Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder
Published on: June 18, 2018
Contracting, prompting, and reinforcing substance use disorder continuing care: a randomized clinical trial
Steven J Lash1, Robert S Stephens, Jennifer L Burden
1Mental Health Service Line, Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salem, VA, USA. steven.lash@med.va.gov
Abstract:
Although continuing care is strongly related to positive treatment outcomes for substance use disorder (SUD), participation rates are low and few effective interventions are available. In a randomized clinical trial with 150 participants (97% men), 75 graduates of a residential Veterans Affairs Medical Center SUD program who received an aftercare contract, attendance prompts, and reinforcers (CPR) were compared to 75 graduates who received standard treatment (STX). Among CPR participants, 55% completed at least 3 months of aftercare, compared to 36% in STX. Similarly, CPR participants remained in treatment longer than those in STX (5.5 vs. 4.4 months). Additionally, CPR participants were more likely to be abstinent compared to STX (57% vs. 37%) after 1 year. The CPR intervention offers a practical means to improve adherence among individuals in SUD treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Dependence
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Restorative Care
Clinical Trials: Overview
