Monetary Incentives for Abstinence in Alcoholism
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Contingency Management for alcoholism?
Research shows that Contingency Management (CM), which uses rewards like prizes or vouchers, helps people stay in treatment longer and achieve longer periods of not drinking. This approach has been effective for other substance use disorders, suggesting it can also be beneficial for treating alcoholism.12345
Is contingency management safe for humans?
How does the treatment Contingency Management for alcoholism differ from other treatments?
Contingency Management is unique because it uses tangible rewards, like money or prizes, to encourage people to stay sober, which is different from other treatments that might focus on counseling or medication. This approach has been effective in promoting longer periods of abstinence by providing immediate positive reinforcement for staying alcohol-free.24568
What is the purpose of this trial?
Directly reinforcing abstinence from alcohol with monetary incentives is an effective treatment for alcohol dependence, but barriers in obtaining frequent, verified biochemical measures of abstinence limit the dissemination of this treatment approach. As our feasibility study demonstrates, remote breathalyzer monitoring drastically improves the practicality of delivering an alcohol contingency management intervention. In Experiment 2, we will test whether the addition of remote abstinence incentives to treatment as usual improves outpatient treatment outcomes and prevents relapse following inpatient detoxification at a regional hospital system. We will also assess whether readmission rates are reduced using a newly developed smartphone app and breathalyzer.
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals who are currently not drinking alcohol and have recently finished or are finishing an alcohol detox program at Carilion Clinic or University of Kentucky Healthcare. Participants must meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder as per DSM-V but cannot have a primary substance use disorder other than alcohol.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive remote alcohol monitoring and incentives for abstinence, with assessments conducted via breathalyzer and smartphone app
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Contingency management
- Contingency Management
Contingency management is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Alcohol dependence
- Substance use disorders
- Alcohol dependence
- Substance use disorders
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Mikhail N Koffarnus
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Collaborator