Positive rewards increase client retention in treatment programs, a strong predictor of positive treatment outcomes, when compared to counsleing alone (Higgins et al., 1994; Petry, Peirce, Stitzer et al., 2005). The PAMI product illustrates positive research outcomes from the NIDA Clinical Trials Network (CTN) study, Motivational Incentives for Enhanced Drug Abuse Recovery (MIEDAR).
The History Behind Motivational Incentives
Motivational incentives, a form of behavioral therapy based on B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning principles, have been the subject of extensive research in the addiction treatment field since the 1960s. In 2000, NIDA’s CTN initiated two research protocols and studied this intervention titles MIEDAR, which was aimed at reducing stimulant abuse in community-based treatment programs. Building on the success of the MIEDAR study, the Blending Team launched a national dissemination campaign – Promoting Awareness of Motivational Incentives, or PAMI.
Seven Principles of Motivational Incentives
Benefits to a State System – Solutions to Existing Problems
The intermittent schedule of incentives significantly increased retention and reduced drug/alcohol use. Research conducted with cocaine users in drug-free and methadone treatment involves three central tenets:
Articles/Documents
For additional resources highlighting research related to motivational incentives, please see the "Other Resources" section.
