Describe the operant conditioning approach to treating alcohol/other substance use disorders.

In contrast to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or the Minnesota model, operant conditioning approaches assume that drinking behaviour is learned via processes of reinforcement and punishment, and so abstinence or controlled drinking can be learned. These approaches have research support, particularly for persons with less severe alcohol problems. Operant conditioning approaches essentially rely upon contingency management, or the manipulation of the contingencies for alcohol use. Programs often make use of contracts between patients and treatment programs that specify rewards for small steps toward sobriety. They often teach behavioural coping skills and skills to develop one's own contingency contracts. They often teach clients to identify antecedents to drinking, about the circumstances in which drinking is most likely, and about the social reinforcers for drinking. Some of these programs involve significant others, such as a spouse or friend, whereas others teach behavioural self-management.