Dr. Steven Proctor on Rewarding Recovery: The Power of Contingency Management
Episode Overview
Contingency Management (CM) involves rewarding individuals for achieving recovery goals, often with monetary incentives. Barriers to widespread adoption of CM programs include outdated attitudes, moral and ethical concerns, financial constraints, and lack of innovation. Technology, such as smartphone apps, plays a crucial role in alleviating burdens associated with CM programs. Addressing stigma in addiction treatment and promoting person-centered vocabulary is essential for individuals' recovery. The Biden administration and the Office of National Drug Control Policy have expressed support for CM, indicating potential future funding and implementation.
I think it goes back to when I was in my master's program. You know, I had a mentor, Dr. Norm Hoffman, who was a full-time consultant. And, you know, at a very early age, I really started to learn about how, you know, you can look beyond the academic realm. You can apply those research findings. You can work with real world agencies.
Imagine getting rewarded for each step you take towards recovery. Dr. Steven Proctor, a seasoned clinical psychologist and researcher, unpacks this intriguing concept in the latest episode of the SMART Recovery® Podcast. Dr. Proctor dives into Contingency Management (CM), a treatment approach that offers tangible rewards, often monetary, for meeting recovery milestones. It's not just a theory; extensive research backs its effectiveness, particularly for opioid use disorder. Yet, despite the evidence, CM faces significant hurdles to broader acceptance. Dr.
Proctor sheds light on these barriers, which range from outdated mindsets to ethical and financial concerns. He argues that these obstacles are surmountable with the right support and innovation. For instance, technology like smartphone apps can streamline CM programs, making them more accessible and efficient. Additionally, Dr. Proctor emphasizes the importance of tackling stigma and adopting person-centred language in addiction treatment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in cutting-edge addiction treatment strategies.
Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or working in the field, Dr. Proctor's insights offer a fresh perspective on how we can enhance recovery outcomes. Tune in to learn how rewarding recovery could be the key to unlocking new possibilities in addiction treatment.