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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

A Procedure to Study Stress-Induced Relapse of Heroin Seeking after Punishment-Imposed Abstinence
Published on: March 23, 2022
The influence of monetary compensation on relapse among addicted participants: empirical vs. anecdotal evidence
Jared P Dempsey1, Sudie E Back, Angela E Waldrop
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. dempsey@b-med.net
Abstract:
Although common, the use of cash incentives to compensate drug-addicted participants is controversial. This is particularly true given concerns that cash incentives might precipitate relapse, as is commonly believed. The following investigation examined whether cash versus money order compensation differentially influenced drug use among 34 non-treatment-seeking, cocaine-dependent individuals. Consistent with past evidence, results did not suggest that form of compensation was associated with likelihood of continued cocaine use or dollar amount of cocaine consumed after participation. Findings do not support commonly held concerns that cash incentives increase the risk of relapse following research participation.
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