Contingency management has demonstrated particularly strong effectiveness for which type of substance-use disorder?

Contingency management has demonstrated particularly strong effectiveness for which type of substance-use disorder?

• A. Opioid use disorder
• B. Cannabis use disorder
• C. Alcohol use disorder
• D. Stimulant use disorders

Answer: (D)

Contingency management uses immediate, tangible rewards for verified abstinence, usually shown by negative drug tests. For stimulant use disorders, the evidence base is particularly strong, with multiple randomized trials and meta-analyses showing significant improvements in both abstinence and treatment retention compared with standard treatments. The effectiveness is tied to the immediacy and concreteness of the rewards, which align with the fast-acting craving and impulsivity often seen with stimulant use. Short detection windows for stimulants allow frequent opportunities to earn rewards, reinforcing abstinent behavior during treatment. While this approach benefits other substance-use disorders too, the largest and most consistent gains are seen with stimulant types.

Contingency management uses immediate, tangible rewards for verified abstinence, usually shown by negative drug tests. For stimulant use disorders, the evidence base is particularly strong, with multiple randomized trials and meta-analyses showing significant improvements in both abstinence and treatment retention compared with standard treatments. The effectiveness is tied to the immediacy and concreteness of the rewards, which align with the fast-acting craving and impulsivity often seen with stimulant use. Short detection windows for stimulants allow frequent opportunities to earn rewards, reinforcing abstinent behavior during treatment. While this approach benefits other substance-use disorders too, the largest and most consistent gains are seen with stimulant types.