Development of a Novel Cannabis Brief Intervention for Frequently-Using Emerging Adults: Pilot Randomized Trial
Medical University of South Carolina
Summary
The purpose of this study is to compare two brief interventions targeting potentially problematic cannabis use in emerging adults (ages 18-25). Brief interventions are two 40-50 minute sessions separated by 1 week. Eligible emerging adults will complete a detailed cannabis assessment (biological and self-report), followed by one of the two brief interventions, and four follow-up assessments: one immediately after the second session and at 1-, 3-, and 6-months post-intervention. Assignment to the brief intervention is random. Salivary samples will be collected at baseline, post-intervention, and all follow-ups, for a total of 5 samples, to be tested for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Description
Cannabis is the most widely used federally illicit substance among emerging adults (age 18-25) in the U.S., and frequent cannabis use is associated with myriad long-term health, social, and academic/occupational consequences. Despite this, rates of perceived risk of daily/regular cannabis use have steadily declined over the past two decades, and this is associated with increased frequency of use, a risk for for Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). Brief interventions (BIs) are among the most frequently used approaches for addressing problematic or potentially problematic substance use in non-treatment…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–25 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Ages 18-25 2. Self-Report report cannabis use on at least 20 days of the past 30 days 3. Submit a positive urine cannabinoid test Exclusion Criteria: 1. Currently engaged in substance use treatment for any type of substance use or currently treatment seeking 2. History of substance use treatment for any type of substance 3. Severe alcohol use disorder or indication of any substance use disorder requiring a higher level of care (AUDIT score ≥14 or DUDIT score ≥2 for women, ≥6 for men) 4. Significant or acutely unstable medical or psychiatric problems (i.e., psychosis,…
Interventions
- BehavioralHealth Education (HealthEdu)
The Health Education condition is a 2-session brief intervention with each session lasting 40-50 minutes and separated by about 1 week (5-10 days). The first session focuses on providing in-depth information on good sleep hygiene and habits to improve sleep and information on positive eating habits, nutrition, and physical activity/functional exercise. The second session focuses on providing information about stress and social connection.
- BehavioralBloom
Bloom is a 2-session brief intervention with each session lasting 40-50 minutes and separated by about 1 week (5-10 days). The first session encourages participants to ask themselves what is important to them. This discussion emphasizes identifying values and ways to live in line with their values, as well as why they use cannabis and providing personalized feedback related to their reasons for use. The second session asks participants to reflect on information from session one and consider what they would like to do next to live in line with their values.
Location
- Medical University of South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina