The Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced updated guidelines that expand the incentive cap for contingency management for individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders. The new guidelines allow recipients of SAMHSA grants to provide incentives up to $750 per patient, per year, subject to the detailed requirements and patient safeguards. The previous limit was $75 per patient.
Contingency management is the use of positive rewards or incentives to aid in the behavior change process. Contingency management involves giving tangible rewards to individuals to support positive behavior change, and has been found to be effective in treating SUDs. In this therapy, patients receive a gift card or voucher when they exhibit desired behavior such as drug-free urine tests, participation in treatment activities, or medication adherence. Clinical studies have shown that contingency management results in better treatment engagement for patients. Studies have shown effectiveness for individuals with cocaine use disorder, as well as those struggling with alcohol, opioid, and methamphetamine use disorders. Contingency management may be combined with other therapies or treatment components like CBT.
“Given the severity of the addiction crisis and the strong scientific foundation for Contingency Management, this is an important change that will improve access to evidence-based care,” shared Jessica Hulsey, Executive Director of the Addiction Policy Forum.
To access the SAMHSA guidelines, click here.