In a landmark move to combat the rising challenge of stimulant use disorder, California has introduced the Recovery Incentives Program, set to revolutionize the treatment landscape. This initiative is targeted at individuals enrolled in Medi-Cal who have been diagnosed with stimulant use disorder.
The Recovery Incentives Program operates by employing a novel approach—offering participants up to $599 in gift cards as incentives for abstaining from stimulant substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and other similar drugs. This groundbreaking program aims to widen access to evidence-based treatment for stimulant use disorder, supported by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), which is piloting Medi-Cal coverage of contingency management services in participating counties through this initiative.
Services Offered by Social Model Recovery Systems
Mid Valley Outpatient, Pasadena Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (PCADD), and River Community Covina, programs of Social Model Recovery Systems, offer these services as part of our initiative. Our agency brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the table, ensuring that participants receive the highest level of care and support on their path to recovery and healthier lifestyle.
Understanding Contingency Management
At the heart of the Recovery Incentives Program lies the practice of contingency management. This evidence-based approach is designed to acknowledge and reinforce positive behavior changes consistent with achieving treatment objectives. For individuals grappling with stimulant use disorder, this entails not only abstaining from substance use but also adhering to medication regimens when applicable. Contingency management has emerged as a promising strategy to address stimulant use disorder, given the lack of approved medications for this particular addiction.
How Do You Qualify For The Program
To participate in the Recovery Incentives Program, individuals must meet two key criteria:
- Enrollment in Medi-Cal: You should be a current Medi-Cal beneficiary to be eligible for the program.
- Diagnosis of Medium or Severe Stimulant Use Disorder: Participants must have received a diagnosis of medium or severe stimulant use disorder from a qualified healthcare professional.
The Recovery Incentives Program outpatient treatment lasts for a total of 24 weeks. Eligible Medi-Cal beneficiaries are required to attend in-office visits as follows:
- 2 times a week for the initial 12 weeks: This intensive phase of treatment aims to provide comprehensive support and reinforcement during the crucial early stages of recovery.
- 1 time a week for the subsequent 12 weeks: As recovery progresses, participants continue to receive guidance and assistance to ensure a successful transition toward a drug-free life.
Can You Get Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) or Other Treatments While in the Program?
If you have Medi-Cal and qualify for the program, you can continue receiving other substance use disorder treatments, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). It’s important to note that this program is not meant to replace MAT for opioid use or alcohol use disorders. The Recovery Incentives Program is specifically tailored to address stimulant use disorder, providing an additional layer of support and incentive for individuals on their journey to recovery.
Financial Incentives
One might wonder why financial incentives are the chosen path to counter stimulant use disorder. Unlike opioid use disorder, for which there are medications like methadone and buprenorphine that help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, stimulant use disorders have remained more challenging to treat. The nature of these substances provides a powerful and immediate reward, making abstaining from them especially difficult. This is where the Recovery Incentives Program steps in.
Financial incentives work by leveraging the brain’s reward system. When someone receives money or a gift card as a reward for abstaining from stimulants, it triggers the same feelings of pleasure and reward as the drugs themselves. This innovative approach helps individuals replace their stimulant use with a healthier, more positive source of reward, ultimately supporting their journey to recovery.
If you or someone you know is seeking assistance in overcoming stimulant use disorder, do not hesitate to explore the opportunities provided by the Recovery Incentives Program.
Call us at 877.507.6242 to learn more about the program, its benefits, and how to get started. Our dedicated team is committed to assisting you in your journey towards a healthier, drug-free life.
Together, we can build a healthier, drug-free future for our communities in California.
