Clinical Trial: Development and Efficacy Test of Computerized Treatment for Marijuana Dependence

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Development and Efficacy Test of Computerized Treatment for Marijuana Dependence

Brief Summary:

More US residents are dependent on marijuana than on any other illicit drug, and the number enrolled in treatment for marijuana continues to increase such that it is now comparable to that for cocaine and heroin. This application seeks to advance the overarching goal to develop and disseminate cost-effective treatments for marijuana dependence that can address this growing problem.

The researchers' previous research suggests that an intervention comprising motivational enhancement, cognitive-behavioral, and contingency-management components (MET/CBT/CM) produces greater rates of successful and durable outcomes than has been demonstrated previously. However, three issues relevant to its efficacy and eventual dissemination must be confronted. First, the outcomes achieved can only be characterized as modest; many individuals do not respond to the treatment and relapse rates remain problematic. Second, access is limited by the availability of trained providers. Third, the cost of delivering the treatment is higher than more traditional outpatient interventions.

To address these issues, Specific Aim 1 is to develop and test a computer-assisted version of MET/CBT/CM. Computerized treatments have the potential to increase overall effectiveness of treatment services by increasing availability of and access to potent treatments, and by applying innovative technology to enhance outcomes. During Year 1, the intervention will be developed and pilot tested. An interactive program that showed promise in a previous trial for opioid dependence will be modified and enhanced to deliver individualized MET/CBT/CM using effective computer learning technologies. These technologies and access to the MET/CBT/CM program made available via the Internet between treatment sessions and after treatment ends have the potential to promote better learning

Detailed Summary:
Sponsor: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Current Primary Outcome:

• Consecutive Weeks of Marijuana Abstinence [ Time Frame: From the start of treatment through the end of the active treatment period, i.e., 12 weeks. ]
  Longest period of marijuana abstinence achieved during the 12-week treatment period documented by urine testing and self-report.
• Point Prevalence Abstinence Post Treatment [ Time Frame: 9 months (from the end of treatment to 9 months post-treatment). ]
  Percent of participants that were marijuana abstinent based on urine toxicology testing at each follow up assessment across 9 month follow up period ( at the end of treatment, at 3-months, 6-months, and 9 months post the end of treatment).

Original Primary Outcome: Marijuana Use [ Time Frame: One Year ]

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome: Marijuana Dependence [ Time Frame: One Year ]

Information By: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Dates:
Date Received: January 7, 2008
Date Started: November 2008
Date Completion:
Last Updated: December 3, 2013
Last Verified: December 2013