CM originally derived from the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA), but it is sometimes implemented from a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) framework as well.
Incentive-based contingency management is well-established when used as a clinical behavior analysis (CBA) treatment for substance use disorders, which entails that patients earn money (vouchers) or other incentives (i.e., prizes) as a reward to reinforce drug abstinence (and, less often, punishment if they fail to adhere to program rules and regulations or their treatment plan).
[3] Token systems are successful with a diverse array of populations including those suffering from addiction,[4] those with special needs,[5] and those experiencing delinquency.
For example, a patient may be given one take-home dose per week after submitting negative drug screens (generally via urine testing) for three months.
Based on applied behavior analysis (ABA), contingency management includes techniques such as choice and preference assessments, shaping, making contracts between the therapist and patient, community reinforcement approach and family training, and token economy.
[16] These contingencies are delivered based on abstinence and attendance goals[17][18] and can take the form of vouchers, the opportunity to win prizes or privileges.
[22] In contrast to these findings in a recent study, the researchers found out that nicotine replacement treatment only improved the effects of contingent vouchers on short-term smoking abstinence.