ICan, an Internet-based intervention to reduce cannabis use: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Heavy cannabis use is associated with adverse physical and mental health effects. Despite available effective treatments, the majority of heavy cannabis users does not seek professional help. Web-based interventions can provide an alternative for cannabis users who are reluctant to seek professional help. Several web-based cannabis interventions are effective in reducing cannabis use; however, the effect sizes are typically small and attrition rates are typically high. This suggests that web-based programs can be an effective cannabis use intervention for some, while others may need additional substance use treatment after completing a web-based intervention. Therefore, it is important that web-based interventions do not solely focus on reducing cannabis use, but also on improving attitudes towards substance use treatment. The Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) approach appears to be well suited for the purpose of reducing cannabis use and improving substance use treatment utilization. Based on the SBIRT approach—and based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI)—we developed the Internet-based cannabis reduction intervention ICan. Methods/design This protocol paper presents the design of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which we evaluate the effectiveness of the ICan intervention compared to four online modules of educational information on cannabis in a sample of Dutch frequent cannabis users. The primary outcome measure is frequency of cannabis use. Secondary outcome measures include the quantity of cannabis used (grams), the attitudes towards seeking help and the number of participants who enter specialized treatment services for cannabis use-related problems. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, ICan is the first Internet-based intervention for cannabis users that combines screening, a brief intervention—based on CBT and MI—and referral to treatment options. Trial registration The study is registered in the Netherlands Trial Register; identifier NL7668. Registered on 17 April 2019.

Reducing Cannabis Use in Young Adults With Psychosis Using iCanChange, a Mobile Health App: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (ReCAP-iCC)

“…Whether this flexibility will be beneficial toward app use and utility in the context of young adults with psychosis and CUD remains to be determined. To evaluate our approach, we will conduct exploratory subgroup analyses based on participants’ compliance with the recommended frequency of 2 modules per week [ 72 ] and assess differences in cannabis use outcomes and satisfaction with iCC.…”

Effect of an Educational Program on Stakeholders' Awareness About Risks of Cannabis Use in Sudan: A Quasi-Experimental Study

“…Similarly, another study conducted to explore psychosocial predictors of addictive behaviors between Internet use and Cannabis use found that most participants were males aged over 20 [28]. Evidence denotes that excessive heavy Cannabis use among youth and middle-aged individuals is associated with several adverse health effects on physical and mental faculties [29]. These findings indicate that counseling programs should focus on youth and young generations.…”

A guided digital intervention to reduce cannabis use: The ICan randomized controlled trial

“…Directly after randomization, the participants assigned to the control condition received a log‐in code to access the on‐line modules. An extensive description of the ICan intervention and the control website can be found in the protocol article [26].…”