Decreased substance use following increases in alternative behaviors: a preliminary investigation.
Research derived from behavioral economic theories has demonstrated reciprocal links between substance use and engagement in substance-free activities. The current study used an experimental manipulation to further investigate the relationship between substance use and substance-free behaviors in a nonclinical sample of 133 young adults. Participants completed surveys on substance use and engagement in specific substance-free behaviors (exercise and creative behaviors) on two occasions separated by a 28-day interval. During the 4 weeks separating assessments, the 105 participants who reported recent substance use were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions with corresponding behavioral instructions: substance use reduction (SR), activity increase (AI), and a no-change control. Participants assigned to both the SR and AI conditions reported a significant decrease in their substance use behavior. These results are consistent with previous studies in demonstrating that decreases in substance use can be achieved by increasing engagement in substance-free behaviors.
Correia
Christopher J
CJ
Department of Psychology, Auburn University, 226 Thach Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA. correcj@auburn.edu
Benson
Trisha A
TA
Carey
Kate B
KB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003405:Creativity; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*