Cannabis Use in Adults Who Screen Positive for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: CANreduce 2.0 Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Addiction Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with higher rates of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder.
• CANreduce 2.0 is a 6-week, self-guided, web-based intervention utilizing motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy principles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the CANreduce 2.0 intervention in reducing cannabis use and symptom severity in adults screening positive for ADHD compared to those without ADHD.
• To assess secondary outcomes including anxiety, depression, retention, adherence, and safety.

Main Methods:

• A secondary analysis of data from a previous study was conducted.
• Adults with and without ADHD, using cannabis at least weekly, were enrolled in CANreduce 2.0.
• Outcomes measured included cannabis use frequency, cannabis use disorder identification test (CUDIT) scores, severity of dependence scale (SDS) scores, anxiety, and depression at baseline and 3-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant reductions in cannabis use frequency, severity, anxiety, and depression.
• Adults with ADHD also reported decreased ADHD symptom severity.
• No significant differences in the changes of primary outcomes were observed between the ADHD and non-ADHD groups.

Conclusions:

• CANreduce 2.0 is beneficial for cannabis users with ADHD, reducing cannabis use and associated symptoms of depression and ADHD.
• The web-based format offers accessibility, with potential for improved adherence through personalized counseling options.