Therapy Targeting Emotional Reactions Reduced Distress in Young Adults With Cannabis Use Disorder | Research

The takeaway

A pilot trial of 52 young adults with cannabis use disorder found that Affect Management Treatment outperformed standard CBT in reducing negative emotions and emotional reactivity, with both groups showing reductions in cannabis use.

Young adults with cannabis use disorder and co-occurring anxiety or depression, and clinicians treating them

52 participants, 12 sessions each

What the researchers found

Affect Management Treatment (AMT) was more effective than standard CBT at reducing negative affect and maladaptive reactivity to negative emotions through post-treatment and 6-month follow-up. Both treatments reduced cannabis use and cannabis-related problems, with no statistically significant between-group differences on cannabis outcomes.

Why it matters

Cannabis use disorder is often intertwined with anxiety and depression, especially in young adults. Treatments that address the emotional drivers of use, not just the use itself, could lead to more lasting recovery.

The numbers in context

52 participants aged 18-25; 12 sessions per treatment arm; AMT outperformed CBT on emotional measures; both groups reduced cannabis use; assessed through 6-month follow-up

How the study worked

Pilot randomized clinical trial with 52 participants aged 18-25 with cannabis use disorder. Randomized to 12 sessions of either AMT (targeting emotional regulation) or standard CBT. Assessed at baseline, during treatment, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up on negative affect, distress intolerance, cannabis use, and cannabis-related problems.

What this study cannot tell us

Pilot study with only 52 participants limits statistical power to detect between-group differences in cannabis outcomes. No placebo or no-treatment control group. Cannot determine whether emotional improvements lead to better long-term cannabis outcomes.

How to read the evidence

Randomized controlled pilot trial with active comparison group, but small sample limits definitive conclusions

When this study was published

2022 study

The bigger picture

Most substance use treatments focus on the substance itself. This study suggests targeting the underlying emotional patterns that drive use may be at least as effective for cannabis outcomes and better for emotional well-being.

Questions still open

Would AMT show superior cannabis outcomes in a larger trial? Does reducing emotional reactivity prevent relapse over longer follow-up periods? Could AMT be combined with other approaches for better results?

Common questions

What is Affect Management Treatment?

AMT is a 12-session therapy that targets maladaptive reactions to negative emotions, such as distress intolerance, rather than focusing solely on substance use behaviors. It teaches healthier ways to respond to difficult feelings.

Did the emotion-focused therapy reduce cannabis use more than standard therapy?

Both treatments reduced cannabis use similarly. The emotion-focused therapy was significantly better at reducing negative emotions and emotional reactivity, which may contribute to longer-term recovery.

Read the original research

Targeting maladaptive reactivity to negative affect in emerging adults with cannabis use disorder: A preliminary test and proof of concept.

Behaviour research and therapy, 150, 104032

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Wolitzky-Taylor, Kate; Glasner, Suzette; Tanner, Alexandra; Ghahremani, Dara G; London, Edythe D. (2022). Targeting maladaptive reactivity to negative affect in emerging adults with cannabis use disorder: A preliminary test and proof of concept.. Behaviour research and therapy, 150, 104032. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2022.104032