title: Voucher-based reinforcement of opiate plus cocaine abstinence in treatment-resistant methadone patients: effects of reinforcer magnitude.
abstract: The study tested a voucher-based abstinence reinforcement procedure for reducing opiate and cocaine use in a population of treatment-resistant opiate- and cocaine-abusing methadone patients. Vouchers exchangeable for goods and services were contingent on abstinence from both opiates and cocaine. In two conditions, participants could earn up to $374 or $3,369 in vouchers for providing opiate- and cocaine-free urine samples. Participants received a daily 60-mg dose of methadone. The dose was increased in a second phase, and the voucher conditions were replicated. Analyses of both phases revealed trends toward greater abstinence under the high voucher condition and suggested that higher doses may enhance the efficacy of voucher reinforcement. The results show that reinforcement for abstinence from 2 drugs simultaneously can be effective even in a treatment-resistant population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, USA. dallery@ufl.edu
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dallery
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Silverman
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Chutuape
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Bigelow
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Stitzer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000652:urine; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000652:urine; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D009294:Narcotics; D008691:Methadone