Comparison of Treatments for Cocaine Use Disorder Among Adults

Key Points

Question  What treatments for cocaine use disorder are associated with objective reductions in cocaine use among adults?

Findings  In this meta-analysis of 157 clinical trials comprising 402 treatment groups and 15 842 participants, only contingency management programs were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of having a negative test result for the presence of cocaine, and this association remained significant in all sensitivity analyses. 

Contingency management (CM) is a type of behavioural therapy that uses positive reinforcement to encourage drug abstinence and other desired behaviours. 

Meaning  The findings suggest that contingency management programs may be beneficial for the treatment of cocaine use disorder among adults who actively use cocaine

Research efforts and policies that align with this treatment modality may benefit those who actively use cocaine and attenuate societal burdens.