Behaviors that are rewarded with small bursts of dopamine throughout the day, such as learning or intercourse, are no longer enough to satisfy the ordinary daily needs. This leads to the self-administration of a substance that makes the individual feel better than their current state; in turn, that routine becomes highly addictive. However, a person suffering from substance use disorder can receive behavioral treatments to overcome the mental aspect of their condition. A recent study tested the hypothesis that behavioral therapy such as contingency management (CM) would reduce cocaine usage cravings and increase the number of negative urine test in cocaine users (Pirnia et al., 2016). In order to test these hypotheses participants were given
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In order to evaluate the efficacy of contingency management interventions, participants by random assignment engaged in self-reporting assessment and biomarkers (such as breathalyzers and urine tests) while others solely participated in self-reporting assessments (Tracy et al., 2012). Based on these studies it is clear that non-drug therapy (contingency management) with incentives can be a beneficial treatment for substance use disorder. This is a substantial factor when comparing substance use disorder to other diseases that cannot simply rely on monetary incentives to stop the existing ailment. These studies further supporting the argument against considering substance use disorder as a …show more content…
These studies demonstrated reduced levels of cravings and increased negative urine tests (Pirnia et al., 2016; Tracy et al., 2012), which supported the efficacy of contingency management therapy and the ability to self-heal. Due to the inadequate amount medical evidence, biomarkers for addiction failed to uphold substance use disorder on the same level as other diseases. The evaluation of biomarkers for addiction were limited and demonstrated an insufficient amount of support to predict, identify early, monitor, or treat substance use disorders (Andersen et al., 2015). Based on finding alternative methods to medication (offering participants incentives in exchange for abstinence) and the inability to detect or predict addiction substance use disorder should not be considered a
In order to evaluate the efficacy of contingency management interventions, participants by random assignment engaged in self-reporting assessment and biomarkers (such as breathalyzers and urine tests) while others solely participated in self-reporting assessments (Tracy et al., 2012). Based on these studies it is clear that non-drug therapy (contingency management) with incentives can be a beneficial treatment for substance use disorder. This is a substantial factor when comparing substance use disorder to other diseases that cannot simply rely on monetary incentives to stop the existing ailment. These studies further supporting the argument against considering substance use disorder as a …show more content…
These studies demonstrated reduced levels of cravings and increased negative urine tests (Pirnia et al., 2016; Tracy et al., 2012), which supported the efficacy of contingency management therapy and the ability to self-heal. Due to the inadequate amount medical evidence, biomarkers for addiction failed to uphold substance use disorder on the same level as other diseases. The evaluation of biomarkers for addiction were limited and demonstrated an insufficient amount of support to predict, identify early, monitor, or treat substance use disorders (Andersen et al., 2015). Based on finding alternative methods to medication (offering participants incentives in exchange for abstinence) and the inability to detect or predict addiction substance use disorder should not be considered a