TITLE

This Addiction Treatment Works. Why Is It So Underused?

DESCRIPTION

Addiction continues to be a major problem with little slowdown and is more problematic during the pandemic.  Many programs exist for treatment, but relapse is more common than not.   A new program applies Psychology of Learning directly to the issue.  “The treatment is called contingency management, because the rewards are contingent on staying abstinent. A number of clinical trials have found it highly effective in getting people addicted to stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine to stay in treatment and to stop using the drugs.”  The article details how the treatment is performed, provides case examples, and efficacy studies.   The article also details the issues related to various objections to rewarding abstinence such as on moral grounds.  The program appears to be effective for many.

SOURCE

New York Times, October 27, 2020, by Abby Goodnough

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/27/health/meth-addiction-treatment.html

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/y5negp6f

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•The article discusses addiction to two illicit drugs in particular.  What are these?  From your text book, are you able to understand how these drugs affect the brain and nervous system?

•What is “contingency management” ?  How does this work?  How effective is it based upon studies?

•What are the objections to such a program given that the data is positive?