Text-Delivered Counseling for Cannabis Use Disorder

No longer recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Chris Hale, MA

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Disqualifiers: Substance abuse treatment, No text phone, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 4 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a text-message counseling program, Peer Network Counseling-txt, designed to help young adults reduce or stop cannabis use. Participants will either receive the text counseling or join a waitlist for future counseling. It suits individuals aged 18 to 25 who regularly use cannabis and reside in Tennessee or Colorado. This program could assist those aiming to cut back or quit cannabis use. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to innovative research that may shape future cannabis cessation programs.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators.

What prior data suggests that this text-delivered counseling program is safe for young adults?

Research has shown that Peer Network Counseling-txt (PNC-txt) is generally easy for people to handle. Studies have found that PNC-txt helps reduce cannabis and tobacco use among young adults and teens, suggesting it is safe for participants.

While no specific side effects have been noted, the success of PNC-txt in past trials indicates its safety. This program uses motivational interviewing, a gentle and supportive method.

Since this study does not involve a new drug or any invasive treatment, the risks are considered low. Participants may find this text-based approach a simple and non-intrusive way to change their habits. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Peer Network Counseling-txt (PNC-txt) because it offers a unique, text-based approach to tackling cannabis use disorder. Unlike traditional therapies that often require in-person meetings or lengthy counseling sessions, PNC-txt provides support directly through text messages, making it more accessible and convenient. This method allows participants to engage with the treatment at their own pace and in their own environment, potentially increasing adherence and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help. By leveraging the technology that people use daily, PNC-txt could reach a wider audience and offer a more flexible solution to those struggling with cannabis use.

What evidence suggests that this text-delivered counseling program is effective for cannabis use disorder?

Research has shown that Peer Network Counseling-txt (PNC-txt), which participants in this trial may receive, can help young adults reduce cannabis use. An initial study found this program, which sends supportive text messages using motivational techniques, effective in addressing cannabis use disorder. The program emphasizes the influence of friends and surroundings, offering personalized messages to encourage change. While the full results are still under review, early findings suggest that PNC-txt could be a useful tool for those wanting to cut back on cannabis. ^{1 2 4 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

J. Douglas Coatsworth, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Michael J. Mason, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young adults aged 18 to 25 who frequently use cannabis and live in Tennessee or Colorado. Participants must show signs of cannabis use disorder, have a positive urine test for cannabis, and be able to communicate in English. They should not have received substance abuse treatment recently and must have access to a text-capable phone.

Inclusion Criteria

Use of cannabis three or more days during a typical week

A score of at least two on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview: Version 7.0.2 for DSM-V, Substance Use Disorder

A score of at least eight on the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test-Revised

Exclusion Criteria

Lack of access to a text-capable phone

Unable or unwilling to commit to six months of follow-up

I am not fluent in English.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Online screening assessments and urine drug screen

Treatment

Participants receive a 4-week text message-delivered counseling program

4 weeks

Text intervention via smartphone

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in cannabis use and other outcomes

6 months

Assessments at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months

Wait-list Control

Participants in the wait-list control group complete assessments and may opt into the intervention after 6 months

6 months

Assessments at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Peer Network Counseling-txt

Trial Overview The study is examining the effectiveness of a counseling program delivered through text messages aimed at helping young adults reduce or stop their cannabis use.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the Intervention group will complete questionnaires at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months and will receive 4 weeks of the PNC-txt intervention.

Group II: Waitlist Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the waitlist control group will complete questionnaires at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Lead Sponsor

Trials

93

Recruited

19,500+

Colorado State University

Collaborator

Trials

138

Recruited

38,200+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6360935/

A Pilot Trial of Text-Delivered Peer Network Counseling to ... Results from this pilot trial are promising and warrant further research on PNC-txt for addressing cannabis use disorder. Keywords: Cannabis Use Disorder, Young ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1551714424002180

Treating young adult cannabis use disorder with text ... Data analysis is underway. Results will provide evidence regarding whether, and how, PNC-txt reduces cannabis use in young adults with CUD. Trial registration.

3. c4tbh.org c4tbh.org/program-review/peer-network-counseling-txt-pnc-txt/

Peer Network Counseling-txt (PNC-txt) PNC-txt is a text-delivered intervention targeting substance use reduction in teens. This brief intervention utilizes motivational interviewing techniques.

4. health.maryland.gov health.maryland.gov/bha/documents/a%20pilot%20trial%20of%20text%20delivered%20peer%20network%20counseling%20to%20treat%20young%20adults%20with%20cannabis%20use%20disorder%20(1).pdf

A pilot trial of text-delivered peer network counseling to ... Therefore, the pur- pose of the present pilot study is to test the efficacy of text-message de- livered Peer Network Counseling (PNC-txt) with young adults ...

5. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10618328

Treating Young Adult Cannabis Use Disorder with Text ... Peer Network Counseling-txt (PNC-txt) explicitly targets the peer and environmental context and can be delivered via personalized, automated text messages.

6. uknowledge.uky.edu uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1022&context=csw_facpub

Treating young adult cannabis use disorder with text message We expect PNC-txt to alter peer network health, which will mediate the effects of the intervention on changes in cannabis use and cannabis use ...