Use of continuous transdermal alcohol monitoring during a contingency management procedure to reduce excessive alcohol use

Donald M. Dougherty, Nathalie Hill-Kapturczak, Yuanyuan Liang, Tara E. Karns, Sharon E. Cates, Sarah L. Lake, Jillian Mullen, John D. Roache

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

80 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Research on contingency management to treat excessive alcohol use is limited due to feasibility issues with monitoring adherence. This study examined the effectiveness of using transdermal alcohol monitoring as a continuous measure of alcohol use to implement financial contingencies to reduce heavy drinking. Methods: Twenty-six male and female drinkers (from 21 to 39 years old) were recruited from the community. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment sequences. Sequence 1 received 4 weeks of no financial contingency (i.e., $0) drinking followed by 4 weeks each of $25 and then $50 contingency management; Sequence 2 received 4 weeks of $25 contingency management followed by 4 weeks each of no contingency (i.e., $0) and then $50 contingency management. During the $25 and $50 contingency management conditions, participants were paid each week when the Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM-II™) identified no heavy drinking days. Results: Participants in both contingency management conditions had fewer drinking episodes and reduced frequencies of heavy drinking compared to the $0 condition. Participants randomized to Sequence 2 (receiving $25 contingency before the $0 condition) exhibited less frequent drinking and less heavy drinking in the $0 condition compared to participants from Sequence 1. Conclusions: Transdermal alcohol monitoring can be used to implement contingency management programs to reduce excessive alcohol consumption.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)301-306
Number of pages6
JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence
Volume142
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2014

Keywords

  • Contingency management
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Transdermal alcohol monitoring

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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