CBT shows promise for adolescent cannabis use disorder, with shorter courses and parental involvement appearing particularly beneficial.
Adolescent substance use counselors, pediatricians, and parents.
9 RCTs found; shorter CBT courses and parental involvement most promising for teens
What the researchers found
Nine RCTs of CBT for adolescent CUD found treatments ranging from 3 to 24 weeks, often combined with motivational interviewing or family therapy. Shorter courses appeared valuable for teen adherence. Parental involvement had positive impact.
Why it matters
Treatment evidence for adolescent CUD is thin. Shorter, family-involved CBT may improve adherence and outcomes.
The numbers in context
9 RCTs met criteria. Duration 3-24 weeks. Only 2 compared CBT to alternatives.
How the study worked
Systematic review of PubMed for RCTs of CBT for adolescents (12-18) with CUD.
What this study cannot tell us
Only 9 heterogeneous studies. Few head-to-head comparisons. Small samples.
How to read the evidence
Systematic review of RCTs with heterogeneous designs and few comparisons.
When this study was published
Published in 2024.
The bigger picture
Teens face unique adherence barriers. Evidence that shorter courses may work well could make treatment more accessible.
Questions still open
- What is the optimal CBT duration for teen CUD?
- Does family therapy add benefit beyond CBT alone?
Common questions
What treatment works for teens with cannabis problems?
How long does teen cannabis treatment take?
Read the original research
Cognitive-behavioral therapies in the management of adolescents with cannabis use disorder (CUD): A systematic review.
Drug and alcohol dependence, 260, 111321
Citation
Mauries, Sibylle; Dufayet, Geoffrey; Lengereau, Ariane; Lejoyeux, Michel; Geoffroy, Pierre A; Dupong, Irène. (2024). Cognitive-behavioral therapies in the management of adolescents with cannabis use disorder (CUD): A systematic review.. Drug and alcohol dependence, 260, 111321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111321
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