Active clinical trials for "Marijuana Abuse"

This study will test a behavioral intervention tailored for adolescents who smoke marijuana and have concerns about their use. The study's purpose is to determine whether this intervention (two-sessions of motivational enhancement intervention followed by 12 months of optional skills training) will be more effective in reducing the use of this drug if augmented by three periodic motivational enhancement treatment check-in sessions as compared to three periodic computer-based check-in sessions. HYPOTHESES: (1) Participants in the motivational enhancement treatment check-ins (MCI) condition will reduce their use of marijuana more than participants in the computer based (Comp) condition and report fewer negative consequences. These differences are expected to be greater at later follow-ups (i.e, 9, 12, and 15 months) after repeated check-ins exert a cumulative effect. (2)Engagement in CBT sessions will be greater for those in the MCI condition and will partially mediate the effect on marijuana related outcome indices. (3) The MCI intervention will lead to increased self-efficacy, and decreased normative perceptions of marijuana use by other teens that will also partially mediate the effect of the intervention.

Cannabis use is a significant public health concern that disproportionately affect youth. Although promising psychosocial interventions are being developed, most youth do not benefit from these interventions alone. Given the clinical demand for effective treatments, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) identified the critical need for data on the tolerability and potential efficacy of medications in adolescents. The purpose of this two-year study is to test if and how topiramate, a medication under intense study for treating several drugs of abuse, reduces cannabis use among teenagers. To this end, the investigators will randomize 56 nontreatment-seeking regular cannabis users (15 or 20 years old) to receive topiramate or placebo for 6 weeks. Youth will monitor their cannabis use for the 6-week period using handheld electronic diaries and complete assessments of reactivity to cannabis-related cues.

Cannabis is the most used illicit substance in the United States. Previous studies suggest that atypical antipsychotics decrease the frequency and the amount of substance use in subjects with and without psychotic illness. So far, there are no controlled studies assessing the effectiveness of atypical antipsychotics for decreasing cannabis and other substance use in individuals with cannabis use disorders. The investigators postulate that the atypical antipsychotic quetiapine ER is an effective agent for improving substance use outcomes in subjects with cannabis use disorders. In this pilot study, the investigators will test this hypothesis in heavy cannabis users (i.e., individuals who are cannabis dependent and smoke three times or more per week). Because 50% of these heavy cannabis users report histories of psychotic experiences (i.e., attenuated positive symptoms) while smoking and are at risk for recurring psychotic symptoms, the investigators will focus this pilot clinical trial on this subgroup of cannabis users in order to increase the risk/benefit ratio of this study and target a population that may also benefit from the antipsychotic effect of quetiapine ER. Considering the lack of controlled studies assessing the efficacy of atypical antipsychotics in heavy cannabis users, assessing the effectiveness of an atypical antipsychotic medication on substance use and clinical outcomes in this population is critical for improving the prognosis of these individuals. Thus, the aims of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study are to assess the efficacy of an atypical antipsychotic (quetiapine ER) in 120 subjects with cannabis dependence, a recent history (within a year) of attenuated psychotic symptoms, and using cannabis 3 times or more per week for: (1) decreasing the use of cannabis and other substances; and (2) preventing the recurrence of psychotic experiences. The investigators will also assess the effects of quetiapine ER on craving and mood, and its tolerability. This project will be a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with quetiapine ER and it will include a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, substance use, and side effects. This study will benefit the field by providing unique data on the relative efficacy and tolerability of treatment with atypical antipsychotics in heavy cannabis users with a vulnerability to psychosis. This study will be the basis for future studies assessing the long-term efficacy and tolerability of atypical antipsychotics in individuals with cannabis use disorders.

The purpose of this pilot study is to determine the feasibility of conducting a trial of N-Acetylcysteine in cannabis dependent adolescents.

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a medication called oxytocin on marijuana use and therapy response in people who frequently use marijuana.

The purpose of this study is to further develop and test the Momentary Self-Monitoring and Feedback + Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MOMENT) intervention, a real-time, contextual intervention to reduce marijuana use among primary care patients.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a Substance-Free Activity Session (SFAS) as a supplement to a brief motivation intervention (BMI) in reducing marijuana use and drug-related consequences in college student

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 investigators propose to use obstetric-gynecological clinics to conduct a randomized clinical trial that would compare two SBIRTS (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment), delivered either by a trained nurse or by computer, to usual care (a control condition). As part of this trial, the investigators will include outcomes that allow us to assess the cost effectiveness of these three conditions.

Cognitive-behavioral coping skills therapy (CBT) is a widely used and recognized treatment that has been empirically validated for a range of substance use disorders, often with emergent effects and continuing improvement even after treatment ends. Treatment retention and compliance are associated with enhanced treatment outcomes in CBT. Contingency management (CM) also has very strong support and is associated with rapid, robust effects on targeted outcomes. Despite their many strengths, neither CBT nor CM is universally effective. It is now essential to seek strategies to maximize and extend the effectiveness of these two approaches and to better understand how these treatments exert their effects.