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

Status Completed

Clinical Trial 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.

Clinical Trial Description

n/a

Study Design

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

Clinical Trial Details

NCT number	NCT04965012
Study type	Interventional
Source	York University
Contact
Status	Completed
Phase	N/A
Start date	August 25, 2022
Completion date	October 1, 2023

View Details

See also
Status	Clinical Trial	Phase
Active, not recruiting	`NCT00875836` - Buspirone Treatment for Marijuana Dependence	Phase 4
Completed	`NCT00893269` - The Effect of Marijuana and Prescription Medications in Mood, Performance and Sleep	Phase 1
Completed	`NCT00490269` - Ph1 Marinol Interaction Study - Part 2 - 1	Phase 1
Completed	`NCT02579421` - Hormones and Reduction in Co-users of Marijuana and Nicotine	N/A
Terminated	`NCT01598896` - Combination of Dronabinol and Clonidine for Cannabis Dependence in Patients With Schizophrenia	Phase 2/Phase 3
Completed	`NCT00373295` - Effect of Baclofen on Marijuana Withdrawal and Relapse	Phase 2
Active, not recruiting	`NCT01827332` - Effect of Oxytocin on Craving and Therapy Response	N/A
Completed	`NCT01335789` - Effect of Oxytocin on Stress in Marijuana Users	N/A
Terminated	`NCT00438139` - Ph1 Marinol Interaction Study - Part 1 - 1	Phase 1
Completed	`NCT02955329` - Vaping THC From Electronic Cigarettes	Phase 3
Completed	`NCT02439814` - Pregnenolone and Marijuana Dependence	Phase 2
Completed	`NCT01039415` - Attempts to Stop/Reduce Marijuana Among Dependent Users	N/A
Completed	`NCT01347762` - Nabilone for Cannabis Dependence: A Pilot Study	Phase 2/Phase 3
Completed	`NCT00270803` - The Effects of Marijuana on Orientation and Motor Coordination and Brain Metabolism in Regular Smokers of Marijuana	N/A
Completed	`NCT01020019` - Combined Pharmacotherapy for Cannabis Dependency	Phase 2/Phase 3
Completed	`NCT02030665` - Marijuana Treatment Project 4	N/A
Completed	`NCT00107588` - Marijuana Treatment Project - 3	N/A
Completed	`NCT02011516` - Baclofen Effects on Marijuana Dependence	Phase 2
Recruiting	`NCT00598052` - Treatment of Marijuana Withdrawal Syndrome Using Escitalopram and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy	N/A
Completed	`NCT00350649` - Maximizing the Efficacy of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Contingency Management	Phase 2

Clinical trials are conducted in a series of steps, called phases - each phase is designed to answer a separate research question.

Phase 1: Researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
Phase 2: The drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
Phase 3: The drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.
Phase 4: Studies are done after the drug or treatment has been marketed to gather information on the drug's effect in various populations and any side effects associated with long-term use.