Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder
Published on: June 18, 2018
Interdependent group contingency management for cocaine-dependent methadone maintenance patients
Kimberly C Kirby1, Marylouise E Kerwin, Carolyn M Carpenedo
1Treatment Research Institute, 600 Public Ledger Building, 150 S. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA. kkirby@tresearch.org
Group contingency management (CM) is a feasible intervention for drug abstinence. A multiple behavior (MB) approach, targeting cocaine abstinence and other treatment adherence, improved group attendance compared to focusing solely on cocaine abstinence.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Behavioral Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Contingency management (CM) is effective for substance use disorders.
- Existing CM interventions are often individualized, even when group-delivered.
- Group-based CM requires novel approaches for reinforcement delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and assess a group CM intervention where one individual's behavior determined group reinforcement.
- To compare the efficacy of cocaine abstinence (CA) only versus multiple behavior (MB) contingencies.
- To evaluate the feasibility and safety of this novel group CM model.
Main Methods:
- A group CM intervention was designed where a single anonymous participant's behavior triggered group reinforcement.
- A reversal design counterbalanced across two groups of 22 cocaine-dependent methadone patients compared CA-only vs. MB conditions.
- MB contingencies included cocaine abstinence, treatment attendance, group CM attendance, and methadone compliance.
Main Results:
- The group CM intervention was found to be feasible and safe to implement.
- The multiple behavior (MB) condition significantly improved group CM meeting attendance compared to the cocaine abstinence (CA) only condition.
Conclusions:
- Group CM is a viable and safe therapeutic modality for individuals with substance use disorders.
- Expanding contingencies beyond simple abstinence to include treatment adherence behaviors enhances engagement in group CM settings.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Dependence
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions

