Reinforcement-Based Treatment and Abstinence-Contingent Housing for Drug Abusers

Reinforcement-Based Treatment and Abstinence-Contingent Housing for Drug Abusers

Purpose of the project is to examine the effectiveness of Reinforcement-Based Treatment (RBT) on drug abuse and psychosocial outcomes of iner city opiate abusers who have recently completed a brief detoxification.

Participants are randomized into one of 3-groups: 1) those receiving intensive behavioral therapy plus abstinence-contingent housing, 2) those receiving recovery housing alone, and 3) those receiving standard care (referrals to community providers). For the two groups receiving recovery housing, rent payment is provided for a period of 3 months, as long as the participant remains drug-free.

Inclusion Criteria:

• opiate dependent agree to live in recovery housing

Exclusion Criteria:

• acute psychiatric disorder pregnant over 65