Evaluation of a Brief Computerized and Smart Phone-based Intervention for Stress in Regular Cannabis Users

Summary

The prevalence of daily cannabis use and Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) has increased in the United States over the past two decades. Brief, computerized harm reduction interventions that target specific high-risk CUD populations could be an efficient approach to reducing CUD. Distress intolerance , which refers to the tendency to negatively appraise and escape aversive emotional states, is a risk factor associated with stress-related cannabis use motivation and CUD severity/chronicity. Thus, a brief, accessible, low-cost intervention that reduces distress intolerance in those with CUD and elevated distress intolerance could have a significant public health impact. This proposed project aims to optimize an existing two-session computerized distress tolerance intervention and test its impact on distress intolerance and cannabis use outcomes in a randomized controlled trial. Specifically, the intervention will be condensed to one-session, its active ingredient bolstered, and augmented with smart phone-delivered therapy reminders. After obtaining feedback on the modified Emotional Engagement Distress Tolerance Intervention in a small sample, the intervention's efficacy compared to a stringent, credible, time-matched health education control intervention will be tested in a randomized controlled trial in 80 cannabis users with CUD and high distress intolerance. Distress intolerance, cannabis use, and psychosocial functioning outcomes will be evaluated. As an exploratory aim, a wristworn device will be used to measure objective stress responding in the real-world during the intervention period. Our central hypothesis is that, compared to a control intervention, the Emotional Engagement Distress Tolerance Intervention will produce superior reductions distress intolerance, stress-related cannabis use motivation, disordered cannabis use, and psychosocial functioning.

Conditions

• Cannabis Use Disorder

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Emotional Engagement Distress Tolerance Intervention

2.5 hour computerized intervention with smart phone support focused on building tolerance of emotional distress

BEHAVIORAL

Health Education Intervention

2.5 hour computerized intervention with smart phone support focused on building healthy habits that support stress management

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Northwestern University

  collaborator OTHER

• Duke University

  collaborator OTHER

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

  collaborator NIH

• Florida State University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Richard J Macatee, PhD · Florida State University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

30 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-06-04

Primary Completion

2027-10-30

Completion

2027-10-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations