To the editor: The authors present a superb description of contingency administration as an evidence-based remedy for some people hooked on stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine (“There’s an efficient method to deal with drug dependancy — however you could not prefer it,” July 15).
Not talked about is that contingency administration is derived from a fundamental science of habits found by psychologist B. F. Skinner referred to as operant conditioning. The invention of operant conditioning has spawned quite a few evidence-based remedies of varied problems, together with, however not restricted to, the habits of people identified with autism and associated problems.
The bedrock precept of operant conditioning is reinforcement, which states merely that the end result of some habits will increase the longer term chance of that habits. Within the case of substance abusers, the specified habits is being substance-free.
In response to the authors, some might not like that folks with substance abuse problems earn cash for being substance-free. They are saying some name this bribery.
However reinforcement just isn’t bribery. Bribery is outlined as providing any person presents or cash to have interaction in habits that’s normally unlawful or dishonest. Usually, the bribe is given earlier than the habits, whereas reinforcement at all times follows the habits.
There’s nothing about reinforcing applicable habits that may be referred to as bribery. Once you get a paycheck for working, we don’t name {that a} bribe.
Henry D. Schlinger, Glendale
This author is professor emeritus of psychology at Cal State Los Angeles.
