Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (Abstracts) 2012-04-01

Voucher-based reinforcement for alcohol abstinence using the ethyl-glucuronide alcohol biomarker.

Michael G McDonell, Donelle N Howell, Sterling McPherson, Jennifer M Cameron, Debra Srebnik, John M Roll, Richard K Ries

Index: J. Appl. Behav. Anal. 45(1) , 161-5, (2012)

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Abstract

This study assessed the effects of a contingency management (CM) intervention for alcohol consumption in 10 alcohol-dependent participants. An ABCA design was used. Vouchers were provided contingent on results of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) urine tests (an alcohol biomarker with a 2-day detection period) and alcohol breath tests during the C phase. The percentage of negative urines was 35% during the first baseline phase, 69% during the C phase, and 20% during the return-to-baseline phase. Results suggest that EtG urine tests may be a feasible method to deliver CM to promote alcohol abstinence.