CompletedNot Applicable

Testing the Efficacy of an Online Treatment Program for Heavy Cannabis Use

Canada152 participantsStarted 2022-08-25

Plain-language summary

Cannabis is a frequently-used psychoactive substance. While the majority of individuals can use cannabis without experiencing problems, a small minority of people develop cannabis problems. Despite the small-to-medium reported effect sizes of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational enhancement therapy (MET) treatments for cannabis misuse, many cannabis users do not seek treatment. Online CBT/MET programs have the potential to be cost-effective and accessible, and offer a less stigmatizing option for treatment. These programs may also help capture cannabis users who experience subclinical problems, who are not captured by traditional treatment. Existing treatment programs also need to be adapted to maximize participant retention and increase treatment completion, as many current cannabis use treatment programs have significant drop-out rates. Hence, the goal of the proposed randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to examine the efficacy of an online evidence-based CBT/MET treatment program. Outcomes of a combined CBT/MET treatment program will be compared to a CBT-only treatment program and a waitlist control. This research will provide insight into the novel contribution of MET to online CBT treatment programs for cannabis misuse. The researchers are hoping to recruit 303 participants for this study from Central and Eastern Canada. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups (i.e., CBT with MET, CBT without MET) or the psychoeducational control group. Individuals in either treatment group will be given 6 weeks to work through 8 online modules. Throughout the modules, participants will identify goals related to cannabis use, learn strategies to cope with cannabis cravings, triggers, and social pressures and learn to prevent relapse. Participants randomly assigned to the control (i.e., psychoeducation) will receive links to websites that provide general psychoeducation about cannabis use and wellbeing. All participants will complete online assessment measures at baseline, end of treatment, and at follow up approximately one month later (i.e., 0 weeks, 6 weeks, 10 weeks) in order to assess the efficacy of the treatment. At the end of the study, individuals in the control group will be given access to the CBT without MET treatment.

Who can participate

Age range

19 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 19+ * Living in Manitoba or Ontario, Canada * Reporting moderate difficulties with cannabis as indicated by a score of 8 or more on the Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test - Revised (CUDIT-R; Adamson et al., 2010) * Fluency in English * Having weekly Internet access with a device that allows for video connection * Self-report at least a 6 out of 10 on a Likert-type scale for motivation to reduce cannabis use (i.e., how important it is to reduce cannabis use) Exclusion Criteria: * Self-reported engagement in other psychological or pharmacological treatments for cannabis use * Elevated suicidality, as defined by scoring greater than minimal risk on a screener * Current serious psychiatric disorders or history of psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder * Are a woman who is currently pregnant or breastfeeding

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Cannabis Use

Timeframe: Participants will be assessed using the DFAQ-CU at three time points (i.e., prior to treatment; T0); immediately following the 6-week treatment (T1), and at follow-up (i.e., 10 weeks from baseline, 4 weeks from end of treatment, T2).

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04965012

SponsorYork University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-10-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Marijuana Use trials