Samuel Acuff
Samuel Acuff
Policy Brief: Dr. Lara Coughlin on SAMHSA Contingency Management Incentive Changes
Policy Brief: Dr. Lara Coughlin on SAMHSA Contingency Management Incentive Changes
Policy Brief: Dr. Lara Coughlin on SAMHSA Contingency Management Incentive Changes
Monday 10th March 2025
Dr. Lara Coughlin discusses SAMHSA's policy changes on contingency management and their impact on addiction treatment practices.
13 minutes
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Samuel Acuff
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Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
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Get the buttons here!New Horizons in Addiction Treatment: Dr. Lara Coughlin on SAMHSA Policy Changes
Episode Overview
- Contingency management uses short-term rewards to support long-term abstinence goals.
- SAMHSA has increased the incentive cap from $75 to $750.
- Conflicting federal policies previously created barriers for implementing evidence-based treatments.
- The new policy change is expected to encourage more programs to adopt contingency management.
- Focus should remain on improving patient health while considering cost savings.
I like to think about contingency management as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
In this episode of The Addiction Psychologist, hosts Dr. Noah Emery and Dr. Samuel Acuff sit down with Dr. Lara Coughlin to discuss the recent changes in contingency management policies. Dr. Coughlin, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan Addiction Center, explains the concept of contingency management using a delightful metaphor involving a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
She breaks down how this treatment method connects short-term rewards with long-term goals, helping individuals abstain from substance use by providing tangible incentives like vouchers or gift cards. The conversation takes a deep dive into the recent policy shift by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), which has increased the incentive cap for contingency management from $75 to $750.
This change is a significant move towards aligning federal policies with the scientific evidence supporting contingency management as an effective treatment for substance use disorders. Dr. Coughlin also highlights the confusion caused by previous conflicting policies from different federal agencies, which had created barriers for clinics trying to implement evidence-based treatments. The new policy is expected to encourage more programs to adopt contingency management, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients. Throughout the episode, Dr.
Coughlin shares her insights on how these policy changes might impact addiction treatment practices and the importance of maintaining high fidelity in implementing these programs. She emphasizes that while cost savings are important, the primary focus should always be on improving patient health. If you're curious about how policy changes can directly affect addiction treatment and want to understand more about the science behind contingency management, this episode is a must-listen.
It's an enlightening discussion that sheds light on both the challenges and opportunities in the field of addiction psychology. So, why not tune in and get informed about these critical changes? Your understanding could make a real difference.