Date of Award
5-2025
Culminating Project Type
Thesis
Styleguide
apa
Degree Name
Applied Behavior Analysis: M.S.
Department
Community Psychology, Counseling and Family Therapy
College
School of Health and Human Services
First Advisor
Michele Traub
Second Advisor
Odessa Luna
Third Advisor
Stephen Walker
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Keywords and Subject Headings
methamphetamine, contingency management, substance use, behavior analysis
Abstract
With morbidity rates continuing to climb, methamphetamine use continues to pose a significant public health problem with contingency management emerging as one of the most effective short-term interventions for methamphetamine use. Although it has only been five years since the last systematic review of contingency management, this literature review opted for a more focused approach to investigate the efficaciousness of contingency management in isolation and its specific impact on abstinence from methamphetamine use. Five studies were included and identified limitations in regards to long-term efficacy, incorporation of assessments, reinforcer magnitude, and reinforcer selection. Despite consistent findings supporting previous research on contingency management’s immediate impact, follow-up probes after the termination of the intervention remain scarce and data on abstinence over time is minimal, limiting our understanding of contingency management’s sustained effectiveness. Additionally, financial barriers and a lack of cost-reporting across studies highlights the need for a more in-depth analysis for contingency management as a scalable and affordable solution. This reviews highlights the costs and benefits of using contingency management as a treatment for methamphetamine while also emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment.
Recommended Citation
Lee, Briana, "Behavior Analytic Treatment of Methamphetamine Use: A Review of Contingency Management" (2025). Culminating Projects in Community Psychology, Counseling and Family Therapy. 120.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/cpcf_etds/120
Comments/Acknowledgements
First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Keith family. During one of the most uncertain times in my life, they welcomed me into their home and showed me unconditional love. Their compassion, support, and unwavering support at that time gave me a space where I could learn to fail and grow without worry. Their kindness fifteen years ago laid the foundation for who I am today.
To Chance, David, Courtney, and Koraima- you all witnessed me scream, cry, and laugh (sometimes all at once) as I navigated these last few years. You understood how personal this journey was for me and continuously reminded me that I could do hard things, even when I doubted myself. From long, conversational walks to remembrance candles, each of you helped me through some of my hardest days and reminded me that I don’t have to do things alone.
Finally, my acknowledgements end where this journey began. This journey began with a loss as a former partner of mine passed away from methamphetamine use. His loss was earth-shattering, but it is what ultimately compelled me to research methamphetamine, treatments, and the systems that too often let people fall through the cracks. My research into current treatments for methamphetamine use grew from grief and a deep desire to prevent others from experiencing that pain. This work is not just academic; it is personal. It is for Cody and those that we have lost as well as for those still fighting.