| incorporates the
principle that unwanted behavior can be changed by clear demonstration of the
desired behavior and consistent reward of incremental steps toward achieving
it. Therapeutic activities include fulfilling specific assignments, rehearsing
desired behaviors, and recording and reviewing progress, with praise and
privileges given for meeting assigned goals. Urine samples are collected
regularly to monitor drug use. The therapy aims to equip the patient to gain
three types of control:
Stimulus Control helps patients avoid situations
associated with drug use and learn to spend more time in activities
incompatible with drug use.
Urge Control helps patients recognize and change
thoughts, feelings, and plans that lead to drug use.
Social Control involves family members and other people
important in helping patients avoid drugs. A parent or significant other
attends treatment sessions when possible and assists with therapy assignments
and reinforcing desired behavior.
According to research studies, this therapy helps adolescents
become drug free and increases their ability to remain drug free after
treatment ends. Adolescents also show improvement in several other
areasÑemployment/school attendance, family relationships, depression,
institutionalization, and alcohol use. Such favorable results are attributed
largely to including family members in therapy and rewarding drug abstinence as
verified by urinalysis. |
