Washington — The American Psychological Association commends the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for increasing the incentives to individuals who are battling substance use disorders under a highly effective treatment protocol known as contingency management.
Contingency management is an evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders that has been proven through decades of research to reduce drug use. Roughly 50% of recent drug overdose deaths in the U.S. are associated with use of the stimulants cocaine and methamphetamine, and unlike for opioid use disorders, there are no highly effective medications for treating stimulant use disorders. The decision to increase the maximum incentive payments tenfold marks a significant step forward in addressing stimulant use disorder, according to APA.
“This change is essential to providing effective treatment for patients struggling with stimulant use disorder,” said APA Deputy CEO Jaime L. Diaz-Granados, PhD. “Contingency management is the gold standard of care for these patients. By increasing the maximum incentive payment, SAMHSA has taken an important step in ensuring that patients receive the evidence-based treatment they need to break free from addiction. Make no mistake, this change will save lives and protect families.”
In typical contingency management programs, patients may receive rewards, such as gift cards or vouchers, in exchange for negative drug tests, in conjunction with other treatment approaches. However, until now, the maximum annual incentive amount was capped at $75 per patient—a level that has proven inadequate for producing lasting behavior change. The new policy increases the annual cap to $750, a crucial increase that will enable more effective treatment options for those in need.
“Research shows that contingency management can be highly effective, and this increase will allow providers to offer meaningful incentives that can significantly improve outcomes,” Diaz-Granados added. “This change is vital for patients struggling with stimulant use disorder, as it empowers both them and their providers with the tools necessary for sustained recovery.”