Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
The Insight-Adherence-Abstinence triad: an integrated treatment focus for cannabis-using first-episode schizophrenia
Rachel Miller1, Joanne McCormack Caponi, Serge Sevy
1Research Department, The Zucker Hillside Hospital/NSLIJ, Glen Oaks, New York 11004, USA. rmiller@lij.edu
Abstract:
Insight-Adherence-Abstinence focused treatment for first episode of schizophrenia and schizoaffective patients is described using examples from clinical practice with 68 patients, 30 of whom have recent or active cannabis misuse. The treatment model is based on the unique characteristics of first-episode patients, who have little insight or experience with the relapses of chronic patients, demonstrate a great deal of denial, and frequently attribute their illness to cannabis. Treatment focuses on building adherence, abstinence, and insight during the first year of treatment in order to prevent repeated relapse and to optimize recovery. Interventions recognize the many needs of cannabis-using first-episode patients and therefore include supportive, cognitive-behavioral, behavioral, and motivational therapies, as well as skill building and psychoeducation.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Drug Dependence
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
