Schedule of voucher delivery influences initiation of cocaine abstinence

J Consult Clin Psychol. 1998 Oct;66(5):761-7. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.66.5.761.

Abstract

This study examined whether voucher delivery arrangements affect treatment outcome. First, 90 cocaine-dependent adults were randomly assigned to behavioral counseling or counseling plus vouchers for cocaine-free urine samples. The value of each voucher was low at the beginning but increased as the patient progressed (Voucher Schedule 1). Voucher Schedule 1 produced no improvements relative to counseling only. Next, 23 patients received vouchers on either Voucher Schedule 1 or Voucher Schedule 2. Voucher Schedule 2 began with high voucher values, but requirements for earning vouchers increased as the patient progressed. Average durations of cocaine abstinence were 6.9 weeks on Voucher Schedule 2 versus 2.0 weeks on Voucher Schedule 1 (p = .02). This confirms that vouchers can assist in initiating abstinence and that voucher delivery arrangements are critical.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Behavior Therapy* / methods
  • Behavior Therapy* / standards
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reinforcement Schedule*
  • Substance Abuse Detection / psychology
  • Survival Analysis
  • Token Economy*
  • Treatment Outcome