Adding voucher-based incentives to coping skills and motivational enhancement improves outcomes during treatment for marijuana dependence

J Consult Clin Psychol. 2000 Dec;68(6):1051-61. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.68.6.1051.

Abstract

Sixty individuals seeking outpatient treatment for marijuana dependence were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: motivational enhancement (M), M plus behavioral coping skills therapy (MBT), or MBT plus voucher-based incentives (MBTV). In the voucher-based incentive program, participants earned vouchers exchangeable for retail items contingent on them submitting cannabinoid-negative urine specimens. MBTV engendered significantly greater durations of documented marijuana abstinence during treatment compared with MBT and M, and a greater percentage of participants in the MBTV group compared with the MBT or M groups were abstinent at the end of treatment. No significant differences in marijuana abstinence were observed between the MBT and M groups. The positive effects of the voucher program in this study support the utility of incentive-based interventions for the treatment of substance dependence disorders including marijuana dependence.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marijuana Abuse / psychology
  • Marijuana Abuse / rehabilitation*
  • Motivation*
  • Token Economy*