Improvement in naltrexone treatment compliance with contingency management

Drug Alcohol Depend. 1999 Apr 1;54(2):127-35. doi: 10.1016/s0376-8716(98)00152-5.

Abstract

The efficacy of a voucher-based incentive program for improving adherence to outpatient, thrice weekly naltrexone maintenance was tested in a three group, randomized, 12-week clinical trial. Voucher incentives were given as follows: contingent group (n = 19) for each consecutive naltrexone dose ingested; non-contingent group (n = 19) on unpredictable schedule independently of taking naltrexone; no-voucher group (n = 20) none. Vouchers were exchangeable for goods and services. The contingent group had significantly longer treatment retention and ingested significantly more doses of naltrexone (consecutive and total) than either control group. Voucher incentives can significantly increase adherence to naltrexone maintenance in recently detoxified opioid dependent individuals.

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
  • Female
  • Heroin Dependence / psychology
  • Heroin Dependence / rehabilitation*
  • Heroin Dependence / urine
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Naltrexone / administration & dosage*
  • Naltrexone / adverse effects
  • Narcotic Antagonists / administration & dosage*
  • Narcotic Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Patient Compliance* / psychology
  • Patient Compliance* / statistics & numerical data
  • Prospective Studies
  • Substance Abuse Detection / statistics & numerical data
  • Token Economy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Naltrexone