SCHEDULE OF VOUCHER DELIVERY INFLUENCES INITIATION OF COCAINE ABSTINENCE

This study examined whether voucher delivery arrangements affect treat ment outcome. First, 90 cocaine-dependent adults were randomly assigne d to behavioral counseling or counseling plus vouchers for cocaine-fre e urine samples. The value of each voucher was low at the beginning bu t increased as the patient progressed (Voucher Schedule 1). Voucher Sc hedule 1 produced no improvements relative to counseling only. Next, 2 3 patients received vouchers on either Voucher Schedule 1 or Voucher S chedule 2. Voucher Schedule 2 began with high voucher values, but requ irements for earning vouchers increased as the patient progressed. Ave rage durations of cocaine abstinence were 6.9 weeks on Voucher Schedul e 2 versus 2.0 weeks on Voucher Schedule 1 (p =.02). This confirms tha t vouchers can assist in initiating abstinence and that voucher delive ry arrangements are critical.