Question

Victor has had a substance-related disorder for many years and has finally decided to seek treatment to kick his habit. As part of his counseling, Victor and his therapist select the behaviors that are unhealthy and need to change, and they decide what rewards Victor will earn by making those changes. Their plan is very clear and very simple, and there is no room for misinterpretation. Victor and his counselor are employing ________ as part of his treatment.

Answer 1

Answer: contingency management

Explanation: Contingency management (CM), often called motivational incentives. This type of treatment provides rewards for the desired behaviors such as clean drug tests. At times, disciplinary measures or withholding of privileges may be taken when the person engages in an undesirable behavior.

CM has been shown to be effective for substance abuse. People that enter a CM substance use program will have the opportunity to be rewarded for desirable behaviors. If they attend treatment, maintain expectations of the program, and avoid unwanted behaviors, the chances of rewards grow. Ideally, the reinforcement gained from the CM program will equal or outweigh the perceived reward associated with drug use. With the above explanation, it is evident that Victor and his counsellor are applying contingency management has part of Victor's treatment.