Adults screening positive for ADHD who used the CANreduce 2.0 web program reduced cannabis use by 11.5 days per month and showed significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and ADHD symptom severity.
Addiction counselors, ADHD specialists, digital health researchers, and adults with ADHD seeking to reduce cannabis use.
11.5-day reduction in monthly cannabis use for adults with ADHD symptoms
What the researchers found
Both ADHD-positive (n=94) and ADHD-negative (n=273) groups significantly reduced cannabis use days, severity scores, anxiety, and depression. ADHD-positive users showed slightly larger reductions but the between-group difference was not significant. ADHD-positive users also showed decreased ADHD symptom scores.
Why it matters
Adults with ADHD have much higher rates of cannabis use disorder, yet are often excluded from or underserved by treatment programs. This accessible web-based intervention shows promise for this underserved group.
The numbers in context
ADHD+: n=94, reduced 11.5 use days. ADHD-: n=273, reduced 8.5 use days. ADHD+ SDS reduction: 3.57. ADHD+ anxiety reduction: 4.31. ADHD+ depression reduction: 10.25. ADHD+ symptom reduction: 4.65. No between-group difference (p=.08).
How the study worked
Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Adults with weekly cannabis use completed the CANreduce 2.0 self-guided web intervention (6 weeks, based on MI and CBT). Compared outcomes between ADHD-positive and ADHD-negative screeners at 3-month follow-up.
What this study cannot tell us
Secondary subgroup analysis. ADHD screened not diagnosed. Self-reported outcomes. ADHD-positive users were less likely to complete consumption diaries. No long-term follow-up beyond 3 months.
How to read the evidence
RCT subgroup analysis with validated instruments, though secondary analysis and screening-based ADHD identification limit conclusions.
When this study was published
Published in 2022.
The bigger picture
The finding that cannabis reduction also improved ADHD symptoms and mood suggests these conditions may be interconnected, and addressing one may help the others.
Questions still open
- Would ADHD-specific adaptations to the program improve outcomes further? Is the ADHD symptom improvement a direct result of reduced cannabis use?
Common questions
Can people with ADHD successfully reduce cannabis use?
Did reducing cannabis help ADHD symptoms?
Read the original research
Cannabis Use in Adults Who Screen Positive for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: CANreduce 2.0 Randomized Controlled Trial Subgroup Analysis.
Journal of medical Internet research, 24(4), e30138
Citation
Ahlers, Joachim; Baumgartner, Christian; Augsburger, Mareike; Wenger, Andreas; Malischnig, Doris; Boumparis, Nikolaos; Berger, Thomas; Stark, Lars; Ebert, David D; Haug, Severin; Schaub, Michael P. (2022). Cannabis Use in Adults Who Screen Positive for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: CANreduce 2.0 Randomized Controlled Trial Subgroup Analysis.. Journal of medical Internet research, 24(4), e30138. https://doi.org/10.2196/30138
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