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Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis logoLink to Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
. 1991 Winter;24(4):657–665. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1991.24-657

Contingent reinforcement of abstinence with individuals abusing cocaine and marijuana.

A J Budney 1, S T Higgins 1, D D Delaney 1, L Kent 1, W K Bickel 1
PMCID: PMC1279622  PMID: 1797769

Abstract

Two males diagnosed with cocaine dependence received a behavioral intervention comprised of contingency management and the community reinforcement approach. During the initial phase of treatment, reinforcement was delivered contingent on submitting cocaine-free urine specimens. The community reinforcement approach involved two behavior therapy sessions each week. Almost complete cocaine abstinence was achieved, but regular marijuana use continued. During a second phase, reinforcement magnitude was reduced, but remained contingent on submitting cocaine-free specimens. Behavior therapy was reduced to once per week. Cocaine abstinence and regular marijuana use continued. Next, reinforcement was delivered contingent on submitting cocaine- and marijuana-free specimens. This modified contingency resulted in an abrupt increase in marijuana abstinence and maintenance of cocaine abstinence. One- and 5-month follow-ups indicated that cocaine abstinence continued, but marijuana smoking resumed. These results indicate that the behavioral intervention was efficacious in achieving abstinence from cocaine and marijuana; maintenance, however, was achieved for cocaine only.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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