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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

20-11-2023 | Anxiety | Original Article

Indigenously Adapted Community Reinforcement Approach (IA-CRA) for Cannabis Users: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors: Muhammad Tahir Khalily, Basharat Hussain, Brian Hallahan, Shahid Irfan, Neelam Ehsan, Muhammad Saghir, Syeda Ayat-e-Zainab Ali, Shamsher Hayat Khan, Tanveer Akhtar, Muhammad Abbas

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

Abstract

Cannabis abuse is prevalent among young people in Pakistan, despite its association with significant psychopathology. Current treatment models to reduce cannabis use have been purported to have variable effectiveness and lack cultural adaptability. Consequently, this study assessed if an indigenously adapted community reinforcement approach (IA-CRA) compared to placebo would have a beneficial impact on individuals attaining abstinence and additionally positively impact depressive and anxiety symptoms and quality of life. A single-blind randomized controlled trial of IA-CRA (n = 60) and control group (n = 60) was conducted for 120 individuals fulfilling criteria for cannabis misuse. The IA-CRA group demonstrated significant high rates of abstinence compared to treatment as usual (86.4% vs. 11.9%, χ² = 63.60, p < .001) with this finding persisting at 36-week follow-up (89.7% vs. 23.5%, χ² = 63.60, p < 0.001). Reduced depressive (F = 7.27, p < .001, ηp2 = .24), anxiety F = 7.66, p < .001, ηp2 = .52), stress-related symptoms (F = 7.66, p < .001, ηp2 = .62), and improved quality of life (F = 20.45, p < .001, ηp2 = .43) were demonstrated at study end with these findings maintained at 9-month follow-up (p < .001). This study demonstrates that a brief trial of IA-CRA can support individuals attain abstinence regarding cannabis use and have a modest ameliorative effects for depressive and anxiety symptoms, with these beneficial effects maintained for at least 36 weeks’ post-intervention.

Trial Registration: NCT04513756. Registered 13 August 2020. US National Institute of Health

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Title: Indigenously Adapted Community Reinforcement Approach (IA-CRA) for Cannabis Users: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Muhammad Tahir Khalily
Basharat Hussain
Brian Hallahan
Shahid Irfan
Neelam Ehsan
Muhammad Saghir
Syeda Ayat-e-Zainab Ali
Shamsher Hayat Khan
Tanveer Akhtar
Muhammad Abbas
Publication date: 20-11-2023
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: Anxiety
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-023-01189-6

ERS Congress 2024

Springer Medicine

Indigenously Adapted Community Reinforcement Approach (IA-CRA) for Cannabis Users: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

ERS Congress 2024

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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