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

J Appl Behav Anal. 2012 Spring;45(1):161-5. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2012.45-161.

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.

Keywords: addiction; alcohol; biomarker; contingency management; ethyl glucuronide.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alcoholism* / psychology
  • Alcoholism* / rehabilitation
  • Alcoholism* / urine
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Biomarkers
  • Breath Tests
  • Female
  • Glucuronates / urine*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reinforcement, Psychology*
  • Substance Abuse Detection / methods

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Glucuronates
  • ethyl glucuronide