On ‘Psychology Behind the Headlines’, hosts Jessica Reyes, Patricia Wu, and guest Dr. Cortina Peters discuss contingency management – a treatment approach that offers incentives for staying sober.
Rewarding Sobriety
Contingency management programs use gift cards or similar rewards to motivate staying drug-free. This approach holds particular promise for those struggling with stimulant addiction.
Giving the Brain Time to Heal
Addiction alters the brain, making quitting extremely difficult. Rewards can support sobriety while the brain heals, allowing therapy to have a stronger impact.
The Debate
Concerns exist about the ethics of “paying for sobriety” and whether the positive effects last after rewards end.
