Toward an era of impact of digital contingency management in the treatment of substance use disorders

Digital contingency management entails remote methods to obtain biochemical confirmation of drug status and provide desirable, tangible consequences contingent on abstinence. Advances in digital CM suggest that it may be on the cusp of making a public health impact. Specific advances include technological capabilities and afford-ability, companies that specialize in digital CM, policies and reimbursement models, and the increasing avail-ability of resources related to CM. Digital CM has expanded from cigarette smoking to alcohol and illicit substance misuse, and to include a diverse range of underserved and high-risk groups (e.g., pregnant and postpartum women, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, adolescents, and rural populations). Although the digital divide continues to narrow, culturally responsive methods may increase uptake and engagement with digital CM. The promise of digital CM is widescale access to an evidence-based treatment with low staff burden, no side effects, high fidelity engagement, acceptability, and effectiveness, and greater equity. We may be close to realizing this promise.

Automated summary

Digital contingency management utilizes remote methods to obtain biochemical confirmation of drug status and provide tangible consequences based on abstinence. Advances in digital CM include technological capabilities, specialized companies, policies and reimbursement models, and increasing availability of resources. It has expanded to include illicit substance misuse and diverse high-risk groups, and culturally responsive methods may enhance uptake and engagement.