Efficacy of a targeted cognitive–behavioral treatment program for cannabis use disorders (CANDIS)

Abstract Aims To examine the efficacy, 3- and 6-month follow-up effects of a psychological treatment for older adolescents and adults with DSM-IV cannabis use disorders. The program was tailored to the needs of this patient population. Experimental procedures A randomized controlled clinical trial o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European neuropsychopharmacology 2012-04, Vol.22 (4), p.267-280
Main Authors: Hoch, E, Noack, R, Henker, J, Pixa, A, Höfler, M, Behrendt, S, Bühringer, G, Wittchen, H.-U
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Cannabis
Cannabis use disorders
Cognitive Therapy - methods
Cognitive Therapy - statistics & numerical data
Cognitive–behavioral therapy
Female
Germany
Humans
Internal Medicine
Male
Marijuana Abuse - therapy
Motivational enhancement
Patient Compliance - statistics & numerical data
Psychiatry
Psychosocial problem solving
RCT
Time Factors
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Summary:Abstract Aims To examine the efficacy, 3- and 6-month follow-up effects of a psychological treatment for older adolescents and adults with DSM-IV cannabis use disorders. The program was tailored to the needs of this patient population. Experimental procedures A randomized controlled clinical trial of 122 patients aged 16 to 44 years with DSM-IV cannabis dependence as the main substance use diagnosis was conducted. Patients were randomly assigned to either Active Treatment (AT, n = 90) or a Delayed Treatment Control group (DTC, n = 32). Treatment consisted of 10 sessions of therapy, detailed in a strictly enforced manual. Assessments were conducted at baseline, during each therapy session, at post treatment and at follow-up assessments at 3 and 6 months. Results The treatment retention rate was 88%. Abstinence was achieved in 49% of AT patients and in 13% of those in DTC (p < 0.001; intend-to-treat (ITT) analysis). Further, AT patients improved significantly (p < = 0.001) in the frequency of cannabis use per week, addiction severity, number of disability days, and overall level of psychopathology. Program effects were maintained over a 3-month- (abstinence rate: 51%) and 6-month follow-up (45%) period. Conclusion The treatment program is effective in obtaining abstinence as well as reducing cannabis use and improves the associated social and mental health burden.
ISSN:0924-977X
1873-7862
DOI:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.07.014