The Adolescent Cannabis Check-up: A randomised controlled trial

NDARC Staff

Other Investigators

Aims

Design and Method

In a randomized controlled trial, 40 young people were recruited and randomly allocated to receive the two session Check-up intervention immediately, or to a 3 month delayed treatment control group. Follow-up interviews were conducted 3 months later at which time participants in the delayed treatment group were offered the intervention. The intervention was manualised and therapist adherence was monitored by audio tapes of the sessions.

Benefits

Although cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug among young people, there has been little research into treatment options specifically developed for this population. This study employed a methodologically rigorous design and provides evidence for the effectiveness of the Check-up intervention in this population, and its acceptability young people.

Output

The findings of the study are currently being written up for publication in academic journals. A clinical treatment manual was prepared for the Check-up studies and has been disseminated to interested clinicians nationally and internationally.
Presentations given on the findings of the study include:

Martin, G. The Adolescent Cannabis Check-up (ACCU): a brief intervention for young cannabis users. 5th International Conference on Drugs and Young People, Sydney, 26th May, 2006.

Copeland, J. Adolescent Cannabis Check-up. NIDA International Forum: International Trends and Needs in Drug Abuse Research. Scottsdale, AZ, 18th June 2006.

Funding