Personalized feedback based on genetic risk factors reduced cannabis use in college students
A pilot RCT found that a personalized feedback program targeting genetically influenced risk factors (sensation seeking, impulsivity, extraversion, neuroticism) significantly reduced cannabis use in first-year college students.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Among 251 first-year college students randomized to four groups, those receiving the Personalized Feedback Program (PFP) showed significant reductions in cannabis use compared to other groups. The PFP targeted four genetically influenced risk domains: sensation seeking, impulsivity, extraversion, and neuroticism. No significant effects on alcohol use were found, though trends were in the expected direction.
Key Numbers
251 first-year students; 4 randomization groups; significant cannabis reduction in PFP group; high satisfaction ratings; 30-day and 3-month follow-ups
How They Did This
Pilot RCT with 251 first-year college students randomized to control, PFP alone, computer-delivered brief motivational intervention (BMI), or combined PFP+BMI. Follow-up surveys at 30 days and 3 months post-intervention assessed alcohol and cannabis use.
Why This Research Matters
This is one of the first studies to translate genetic epidemiological findings into a practical prevention tool, using personality-based risk pathways rather than genetic testing itself.
The Bigger Picture
With cannabis use at historic highs among college students, interventions that target underlying personality-based risk factors rather than just cannabis-specific messaging may offer a novel prevention approach.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Pilot study with relatively small sample. Short follow-up period. Self-reported substance use. First-year students may not represent all college populations.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would the PFP effects persist beyond 3 months?
- ?Could this approach be scaled across universities?
- ?Why did it work for cannabis but not alcohol?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Significant cannabis use reductions in the personalized feedback group
- Evidence Grade:
- Pilot RCT with appropriate randomization and follow-up, but small sample size and short follow-up period limit conclusions.
- Study Age:
- Published 2023
- Original Title:
- Bridging the gap between genetic epidemiological research and prevention: A randomized control trial of a novel personalized feedback program for alcohol and cannabis use.
- Published In:
- Drug and alcohol dependence, 249, 110818 (2023)
- Authors:
- Choi, Maia, Driver, Morgan N, Balcke, Emily, Saunders, Trisha, Langberg, Joshua M, Dick, Danielle M
- Database ID:
- RTHC-04463
Evidence Hierarchy
Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or placebo groups to test cause and effect.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can personalized feedback reduce cannabis use in college students?
In this pilot trial, a program providing feedback on genetically influenced risk traits like sensation seeking and impulsivity significantly reduced cannabis use among first-year college students.
How does this approach differ from traditional prevention?
Rather than focusing on cannabis information or consequences, this program targets underlying personality traits that increase substance use risk, translating genetic epidemiology findings into practical prevention.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-04463APA
Choi, Maia; Driver, Morgan N; Balcke, Emily; Saunders, Trisha; Langberg, Joshua M; Dick, Danielle M. (2023). Bridging the gap between genetic epidemiological research and prevention: A randomized control trial of a novel personalized feedback program for alcohol and cannabis use.. Drug and alcohol dependence, 249, 110818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110818
MLA
Choi, Maia, et al. "Bridging the gap between genetic epidemiological research and prevention: A randomized control trial of a novel personalized feedback program for alcohol and cannabis use.." Drug and alcohol dependence, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110818
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Bridging the gap between genetic epidemiological research an..." RTHC-04463. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/choi-2023-bridging-the-gap-between
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.