PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS FOR DRUG-ABUSE - A CRITIQUE AND SUMMATIONOF CONTROLLED-STUDIES

Empirical evaluations of treatments for abuse of substances other than alcohol are reviewed and critiqued. Methodological strengths and defi cits of treatment-outcome studies are delineated, and interpretation o f reported results is considered in light of these factors. In large p art, intervention strategies for which controlled outcome evaluations exist can be divided into those conceptualized along classical conditi oning lines (e.g., extinction and stimulus avoidance) and those derive d from operant learning principles (e.g., contingency contracting and community reinforcement). Whereas stimulus-avoidance techniques appear to be relatively more effective than pure extinction trials in reduci ng drug use, the efficacy of operant methods has been most strongly su pported. Moreover, componential treatment packages in which contingent reinforcement is applied to both reductions in drug use and increases in stimulus-avoidance behaviors evince the most dramatic effects. Add itional research that addresses the methodological shortcomings of con temporary studies is needed.