RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Phenotyping Patients With Alcohol and Cannabis Use Disorders Using the Addictions Neuroclinical Assessment

This study is for adults who have problems with alcohol or cannabis use. We know that treatments like talking therapy can help, but it's not always clear why some people get better quicker than others. This research aims to understand if looking at specific parts of how a person thinks, feels, and is motivated can help us create more effective treatment plans. We will assess these areas at the start of the study. Participants will then receive 12 weeks of a type of talking therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Our main goal is to see if these initial assessments can predict how much someone's alcohol or cannabis use and cravings change during treatment. This could lead to more personalised support in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Enrolment target

400

Start

10 Nov 2022

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Alcohol Use Disorder Cannabis Use Disorder

What is this study about?

This study is designed to help us better understand how to treat people who are struggling with alcohol or cannabis use. While we have good treatments available, like talking therapies, we don't always know why some people respond really well and others don't. Imagine if we could get a clearer picture of someone's individual needs right from the start; it might help us tailor treatment to work best for them.

Researchers believe that looking at three key areas might hold the answer: how someone's brain handles planning and decision-making (what we call 'executive function'), what motivates them and captures their attention ('incentive salience'), and how they deal with negative feelings ('negative emotionality'). These areas are important because they can influence how someone uses substances and how they react to treatment.

In this study, we will work with two groups of people: one group with alcohol use disorder and another with cannabis use disorder. Before starting treatment, everyone will have a thorough check-up covering these three brain-related areas. Then, they will receive 12 weeks of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is a common and effective talking therapy. For those with alcohol use disorder, sometimes medication might also be offered if appropriate. We want to see if the information gathered at the beginning of the study can help us predict how much someone's drinking or cannabis use, and their cravings, improve over the 12 weeks of therapy.

Key takeaways

This study explores better ways to treat alcohol and cannabis use problems.
It aims to understand if initial checks on thinking and emotions help predict treatment success.
Participants will receive 12 weeks of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
It's for adults 18 and over who struggle with alcohol or cannabis.
Participation involves initial assessments and talking therapy sessions.
You can stop participating at any time without affecting your care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. You should be planning to participate in a routine care program for alcohol or cannabis use problems, which usually includes group therapy. You must be able to understand and communicate in English and be willing to give your informed consent, meaning you understand what the study involves and agree to take part.

There are also some requirements about your substance use. For 12 hours before some initial tests, you'll need to be able to avoid alcohol, cannabis, and other substances (though smoking nicotine or tobacco is fine). If you have an alcohol use disorder, you need to be drinking more than 10 alcoholic drinks per week (if you're a woman) or more than 15 drinks per week (if you're a man) on average. If you have a cannabis use disorder, you should be using cannabis at least 4 days per week on average.

You cannot join the study if you are actively thinking about harming yourself or have attempted suicide recently. Also, if you have a serious mental health condition that isn't stable (like severe mood swings or psychosis), or if you're using another substance in a way that would make it hard to join group therapy, you wouldn't be able to participate. Finally, if you're already in another study that would conflict with this one, or if you plan to be away for a long time during the 12-week treatment period, you won't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have problems with alcohol or cannabis use and are you seeking help for it?
Can you speak and understand English well?
Are you able to avoid alcohol and cannabis for 12 hours before some initial study tests?
Are you able to attend group therapy sessions?
Are you generally feeling stable in your mental health?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will involve several steps. First, you'll have some initial assessments over one or more visits. These will include questions and tasks designed to understand your thinking, motivations, and emotions. You'll need to be able to avoid alcohol and cannabis for 12 hours before these initial assessments.

After these initial checks, you will begin 12 weeks of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) sessions. This is a type of talking therapy that helps you understand and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. These sessions will likely be group-based. If you are in the alcohol use disorder group, your doctors might also discuss medication options with you, if appropriate for your situation. There will be regular check-ups during and after your 12 weeks of therapy to see how you are doing, including how your alcohol or cannabis use and cravings are changing. The total duration of active participation in the study is approximately 12 weeks, with some follow-up assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer some potential benefits. You will receive 12 weeks of evidence-based talking therapy (CBT) which is known to be effective for alcohol and cannabis use problems, and you might gain a better understanding of your own patterns. You'll also be contributing to research that could help improve future treatments for people with similar challenges. As with any study, there are potential risks, such as the time commitment required for assessments and therapy, or the discomfort that can sometimes come with discussing personal struggles. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

CBT is a type of talking therapy that helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected. It teaches you practical ways to manage problems and cope better.

Will I have to stop using alcohol or cannabis completely to join?

For some initial assessments, you will need to be able to avoid substances (except nicotine) for 12 hours. The goal of the therapy is to help you reduce or stop your use depending on your situation.

How long will the study last?

The main part of the study, including assessments and therapy, will last about 12 weeks. There may be some follow-up checks after this period.

Will I be given medication?

If you are in the group for alcohol use disorder, medication might be an option discussed with you by your care team if they think it would be helpful. It's not a required part of the study for everyone.

What if I decide I don't want to continue with the study?

You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care. Your decision won't change your access to treatment.

How to find out more

Kelly Xiao, MSc

kelly.xiao@camh.ca 416-535-8501 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.