Adaptive Treatment for Adolescent Cannabis Use Disorders

Adaptive Treatment for Adolescent Cannabis Use Disorders

The purpose of this study is to examine an Adaptive Treatment approach in order to improve outcomes of youth with Cannabis Use Disorders who are poor responders to treatment.

The study will address the current contrasts in youth response to treatment, the problem of poor response to treatment and the prevention of relapse. Results from the study may support Adaptive Treatment as an efficacious approach for youth with Cannabis Use Disorder who are poor responders to treatment.

Poor responders fall into two categories, those who failed to achieve a negative drug urinalysis during the last session of the initial MET/CBT-7 treatment they attended, and those who either dropped out or were administratively discharged at any time during the initial MET/CBT-7 treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 13-18 years of age at the time of intake assessment
• Current diagnosis of DSM-IV Cannabis Abuse or Dependence
• Able to read and comprehend English at a 5th grade level
• Residence within 45 minutes drive from the UCHC Farmington treatment site
• Participant and a parent/legal guardian responsible for providing collateral information agree to sign an IRB approved consent form
• Participant and a parent/legal guardian responsible for providing collateral information agree to provide locator information
• The family is not planning to move from the area during the next six months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Meet criteria for dependence of any other substance of abuse other than nicotine or alcohol
• Report suicidal ideation with a plan, suicidal behavior, a plan to hurt oneself or other, or a history of self-injurious behavior all occurring in the last 30 days
• Meet a lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia
• Has any current health (i.e. medical, psychiatric) condition that will compromise the participant's ability to regularly attend treatment
• Demonstrate an inability or unwillingness to provide locator information