Clinical trial of abstinence-based vouchers and cognitive-behavioral therapy for cannabis dependence.
Ninety cannabis-dependent adults seeking treatment were randomly assigned to receive cognitive-behavioral therapy, abstinence-based voucher incentives, or their combination. Treatment duration was 14 weeks, and outcomes were assessed for 12 months posttreatment. Findings suggest that (a) abstinence-based vouchers were effective for engendering extended periods of continuous marijuana abstinence during treatment, (b) cognitive-behavioral therapy did not add to this during-treatment effect, and (c) cognitive-behavioral therapy enhanced the posttreatment maintenance of the initial positive effect of vouchers on abstinence. This study extends the literature on cannabis dependence, indicating that a program of abstinence-based vouchers is a potent treatment option. Discussion focuses on the strengths of each intervention, the clinical significance of the findings, and the need to continue efforts toward development of effective interventions.
Budney
Alan J
AJ
Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT , USA. ajbudney@uams.edu
Moore
Brent A
BA
Rocha
Heath L
HL
Higgins
Stephen T
ST
D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000628:therapy*; D014040:Token Economy