Contingency management interventions for treating the substance abuse of adolescents: a feasibility study

Abstract

This article reports on the feasibility of using a contingency management intervention with adolescent smokers that has proven efficacious in adult substance abuse treatment. The study used 8 adolescent participants in an A (1 week)-B (1 week)-A (1 week) reversal design. During the 2 baseline phases, no contingencies were placed on cigarette smoking, and adolescents received money noncontingently. During the experimental intervention week, adolescents received payment contingent on not smoking. The magnitude of reimbursement available during the baseline and intervention phases was equated. Results indicated that the contingency management intervention was effective in reducing smoking, both in terms of increasing the total number of abstinences and consecutive abstinences. In addition, changes in adolescents' affective states during smoking cessation were found. Anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue were reported, and these negative states ceased once smoking resumed.