Description

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness in the short (1-month) and long-term (3 and 6 months) of a digitalized intervention (CANQUIT) to reduce and/or quit cannabis among young Spanish adults.

CANQUIT is a 4-week digitalized CBT-based intervention aimed at reducing or ceasing cannabis use among regular cannabis users (at least 1 occasion of cannabis use in the previous month). It is specifically tailored to young adults (18-30 years old). CANQUIT will be available to download both on Apple Store (iOS) and Play Store (Android). Upon completion of the baseline assessment, participants will be randomly assigned 2:1 to either an experimental arm (60 participants: App-assisted CBT-based intervention) or control (60 participants: App-assisted self-help guide). Participants in the experimental arm will be exposed to seven weekly modules, which include: 1) psychoeducation regarding the benefits of ceasing cannabis use, its short and long-term effects and myths associated with its consumption, 2) training in emotion regulation strategies, stimulus control (i.e., alternatives to cannabis use), 3) behavioral activation strategies, and 4) relapse prevention (i.e., assertiveness and problem-solving abilities). Participants will also register daily consumption of cannabis (number of joints) and receive weekly recommendations regarding cannabis use reduction. To ensure adherence to treatment, CANQUIT includes gamification via direct contact with a mental health professional and social interaction with others (through an online chat).

Alternatively, participants allocated to the control group will receive a self-help guide with information based on the contents of the App. This guide will be also available through the App. As in the experimental arm, participants in the control group will also complete 1-month, 3-months and 6-months follow-ups through the App.