Contingency Management (CM) is an evidence-based behavioral intervention used for stimulant use disorder. It provides incentives to individuals contingent upon objective evidence of the target behavior, such as a negative urine drug test. This increases the likelihood of these behaviors, which are essential components and outcomes of effective treatment.

Research evidence has shown that contingency management (CM) is the most effective intervention for stimulant use disorder. Studies demonstrate using CM is associated with a reduction in the number of days of stimulant use, stimulant cravings, new stimulant use, and HIV risk behaviors. Stimulant use disorders not only have adverse effects on the physical and mental health of individuals, but they also cause negative impacts on society.

In the absence of a pharmacological treatment that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), practitioners rely heavily on behavioral and psychosocial interventions and practices such as CM.

(This excerpt was taken directly from Health Care Authority (HCA) Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) WSU CM Training Project (Fact Sheet) 03/11/2021 (Credit given to WSU staff for CM training descriptions on this fact sheet)