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A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Extended voucher-based reinforcement therapy for long-term drug abstinence
Carolyn M Carpenedo1, Kimberly C Kirby, Karen L Dugosh
1Treatment Research Institute, 600 Public Ledger Building, 150 South Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA. ccarpenedo@tresearch.org
Objective:
To determine whether longer durations of voucher-based reinforcement therapy (VBRT) increase long-term abstinence compared to standard durations.
Methods:
Cocaine-abusing or dependent methadone-maintenance patients (N = 130) were randomized to receive either Standard (12-week; n = 62) or Extended (36-week; n = 68) VBRT. Participants provided 3 urine samples weekly during VBRT, and each cocaine-negative sample produced a voucher exchangeable for goods and services.
Results:
Extended VBRT produced longer durations of self-reported continuous abstinence during study Year 1 (M = 74 vs. 46 days; F(1,128) = 5.23, P = 0.024), but not during Year 2. However, each week of abstinence during Year 1 was associated with an increase of 9.19 days of abstinence during Year 2, regardless of study condition (t(1) = 4.92, P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Longer-duration VBRT can increase abstinence during VBRT, but may not maintain it afterwards. However, longer during-treatment abstinence begets later abstinence suggesting that further research regarding this relationship is needed.
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