Petry, N. M., Bickel, W. K., Tzanis, E., Taylor, R., Kubik, E., Foster, M., & Hughes, M. E. (1998).
A behavioral intervention for improving verbal behaviors of heroin addicts in a treatment clinic.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
31, 291-297.
Positively reinforcing appropriate behaviors improved verbal
behaviors of opioid-dependent patients in a buprenorphine
treatment clinic. During B phases of an ABAB design, clients
received stickers for engaging in appropriate verbal or nonverbal
behaviors. Each sticker provided a chance of winning $25. No
reinforcement was provided during the A phases. Appropriate
verbal behaviors increased during reinforcement periods, and
inappropriate verbal behaviors decreased.
DESCRIPTORS: drug abuse treatment, heroin, verbal behaviors,
compliance, reinforcement, contingency management, buprenorphine