A telehealth-delivered behavioral economic intervention for adults with untreated cannabis use disorder achieved 70% completion, with preliminary reductions in cannabis use, depression, and anxiety.
Addiction treatment providers, telehealth researchers, behavioral economists
70% completion rate and 8.9% cannabis use reduction in a treatment-resistant population
What the researchers found
Of 20 adults with CUD who enrolled, 70% completed all intervention components. All participants reported satisfaction, and 85.7% said telehealth delivery made it easier to receive care. Cannabis use decreased 8.9% (Hedges' g=0.39), depression symptoms decreased (g=0.50), and anxiety decreased (g=0.29). Cannabis demand and proportionate cannabis-free reinforcement showed changes consistent with reduced use.
Why it matters
Fewer than 5% of people with CUD initiate treatment. A telehealth intervention that is highly acceptable and shows preliminary effectiveness could dramatically lower barriers to care.
The numbers in context
20 enrolled; 70% (14/20) completed all components; 100% satisfied/very satisfied; 85.7% said telehealth helped; 8.9% reduction in total cannabis use (g=0.39); depression g=0.50; anxiety g=0.29
How the study worked
Open-label pilot trial of a telehealth-delivered multicomponent behavioral economic intervention for non-treatment-engaged adults with CUD. Participants recruited from a health system completed behavioral economic assessments and measures of cannabis use and mental health at baseline and post-treatment.
What this study cannot tell us
Open-label design with no control group. Very small sample (n=20). Short follow-up period. Cannot attribute changes to the intervention without a comparison group.
How to read the evidence
Open-label pilot with no control group; provides feasibility and preliminary effect data but cannot establish efficacy.
When this study was published
Published 2023
The bigger picture
The behavioral economic approach of increasing cannabis-free rewarding activities rather than focusing solely on reducing cannabis may align better with how people naturally change behavior.
Questions still open
- Would a randomized controlled trial confirm these preliminary effects? Can this intervention be delivered by non-specialists to increase scalability?
Common questions
Can telehealth help people with cannabis use disorder?
What makes this approach different?
Read the original research
Pilot trial of a telehealth-delivered behavioral economic intervention promoting cannabis-free activities among adults with cannabis use disorder.
Journal of psychiatric research, 163, 202-210
Citation
Coughlin, Lara N; Bonar, Erin E; Wieringa, Joshua; Zhang, Lan; Rostker, Matthew J; Augustiniak, Alyssa N; Goodman, Grant J; Lin, Lewei Allison. (2023). Pilot trial of a telehealth-delivered behavioral economic intervention promoting cannabis-free activities among adults with cannabis use disorder.. Journal of psychiatric research, 163, 202-210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.012
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