contingency management
Behavioral intervention providing tangible rewards for verified abstinence or treatment compliance.
Full Definition
A behavioral intervention based on operant conditioning principles that provides tangible rewards (vouchers, prizes, privileges) contingent upon verified abstinence from substance use or compliance with treatment goals. Contingency management has strong evidence base particularly for stimulant use disorders and has been shown to increase treatment retention and reduce substance use. Implementation requires careful tracking of target behaviors, objective verification methods (typically drug testing), and structured reward systems. Documentation must include specific contingencies and earned rewards.
Usage
Usage note: Specify reward type and verification method in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The contingency management protocol provided vouchers for each clean drug test." — Intervention description
- "Contingency management increased treatment retention by 40% in this population." — Program evaluation report