Acceptance Commitment Therapy for Methamphetamine Addiction

Overseen By Harminder Paul

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Disqualifiers: Psychosis, Suicidal ideation, Cognitive deficits

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 19

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how well Acceptance Commitment Therapy, combined with motivation enhancement and an app called ChillTime, can help reduce methamphetamine use in women. Designed for home participation, it also offers in-person options if needed. Women who have struggled with methamphetamine use and feel comfortable in a women's group might be a good fit. The trial aims to determine if this approach is practical, well-received, and effective. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could shape future treatments.

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 or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that Acceptance Commitment Therapy is safe for reducing methamphetamine use?

Research has shown that Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a safe option for individuals with substance use issues, including methamphetamine addiction. Studies have found that ACT can reduce addiction problems without causing serious side effects.

In one study, ACT improved areas such as health and work for those with addiction. Importantly, participants reported no major negative effects, indicating a generally positive response to the therapy. This suggests that ACT is a well-tolerated treatment for methamphetamine use disorder.

Although ACT is not a medication, it focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors, distinguishing it from traditional drug treatments and offering its own safety benefits. Overall, research supports ACT as a safe treatment for methamphetamine addiction. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) is unique because it focuses on changing the way individuals relate to their thoughts and feelings, rather than trying to eliminate them, which is a departure from traditional cognitive-behavioral therapies. Unlike typical methamphetamine addiction treatments, which often rely on medication or abstinence-based approaches, ACT encourages mindfulness and psychological flexibility, helping individuals commit to actions that align with their values. Researchers are excited about ACT for methamphetamine addiction because it offers a holistic approach that empowers individuals to handle cravings and emotional challenges in a more adaptive way, potentially leading to more sustainable recovery outcomes.

What evidence suggests that Acceptance Commitment Therapy might be an effective treatment for methamphetamine addiction?

Research shows that Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), which participants in this trial will receive, can help treat substance use problems. Studies have found that ACT reduces drug use, including methamphetamine. One study found that ACT helps meth users improve in areas like health and work. A review of several studies also showed that ACT effectively helps people quit drugs and improve their mental health. Overall, ACT appears to be a promising way to reduce methamphetamine use. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Bernard Le Foll, MD

Principal Investigator

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for women and gender non-conforming individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD), who can consent, communicate in English, and have a clinician. It's not for those with severe cognitive issues, untreated psychosis, or intense suicidal thoughts needing hospitalization.

Inclusion Criteria

Adequate English language abilities

I am over 18 years old.

I understand and can agree to the study's procedures and risks.

Exclusion Criteria

I am able to understand and participate in the study.

Experiencing acute or unmedicated psychosis that would reasonably prevent them from engaging in and/or benefiting from the intervention

Experiencing acute and severe suicidal ideation such that institutionalization and supervised care is warranted

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

1 visit (virtual or in-person)

Motivation Building

Participants undergo a 1:1 motivation building session and receive assistance with downloading the ChillTime App

1 session

1 visit (virtual or in-person)

Treatment

Participants engage in Acceptance Commitment Therapy group sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks, with contingency management and use of the ChillTime App

8 weeks

16 sessions (virtual or in-person)

Follow-up

Participants complete clinical and quality of life assessments, and a qualitative interview to assess satisfaction and changes in drug use

1 month

1 visit (virtual or in-person)

Long-term Follow-up

Participants complete a follow-up study visit to assess long-term effects on methamphetamine use and mental health

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Acceptance Commitment Therapy

Trial Overview The study tests Acceptance Commitment Therapy combined with motivation enhancement and the ChillTime App to reduce methamphetamine use remotely. Participants can join from home unless it's unsafe or unfeasible.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will complete the baseline session, a 1:1 motivation building session, and 8 weeks of ACT group therapy. They will then complete a final study visit and a follow-up study visit to occur 6 month after the end of therapy.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Lead Sponsor

Trials

388

Recruited

84,200+

Citations

1. brieflands.com brieflands.com/articles/ijpbs-110135

Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in ... In a meta-analysis, De Groot et al. (24) showed that ACT was effective in helping people quit drugs and reduce their psychological symptoms.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221214472400053X

Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for ... Three previous systematic reviews have concluded that ACT has a positive effect on treatment outcomes for substance use disorders.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7524566/

The Use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in ... Most of the studies showed that ACT was effective in the management of SUD showing significant evidence of a reduction in substance use or total ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05334914

ACT for Methamphetamine Use Disorder in Women and ... This study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of Acceptance Commitment Therapy, in conjunction with motivation ...

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/318028727_A_controlled_trial_of_acceptance_and_commitment_therapy_for_addiction_severity_in_methamphetamine_users_Preliminary_study

A controlled trial of acceptance and commitment therapy for ... Results Results showed that ACT reduced addiction severity of methamphetamine users in seven dimensions of medical condition (p=0.016), occupational status (p= ...

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20408061/

Psychosocial treatment for methamphetamine use disorders The objective of this study was to test whether ACT would increase treatment attendance and reduce methamphetamine use and related harms compared to cognitive ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9185770/

Current and Emerging Treatments for Methamphetamine Use ... Thus, CBT either alone or combined with CM reduced METH use, cravings or relapse during treatment in this population [74, 92]. Similarly, CBT diminished relapse ...