A pilot trial of a brief intervention for cannabis use supplemented with a substance-free activity session or relaxation training.

OBJECTIVE: Cannabis use is increasing among college students and commonly co-occurs with anxiety symptoms in this age group. Interventions that reduce anxiety may also reduce cannabis use. Behavioral economic theory suggests that substance use reductions are most likely when there is an increase in substance-free reinforcement. This randomized pilot trial evaluated the efficacy of a brief motivational intervention (BMI) for cannabis supplemented by either a substance-free activity session (SFAS) or a relaxation training (RT) session for reducing cannabis use, problems, craving, and anxiety symptoms.

METHOD: One hundred thirty-two college students ( = 19.9; 54% female; 67% White, 31% Black) who reported five or more past-month cannabis use days were randomized to: (a) assessment-only (AO); (b) BMI plus SFAS; or (c) BMI plus RT. Participants in the BMI conditions received two individual counselor-administered sessions plus a brief phone booster session. Outcomes were evaluated 1- and 6-months postintervention.

RESULTS: Relative to assessment, both BMI + SFAS and BMI + RT were associated with significant reductions in cannabis problems and craving at 1-month follow-up, and significant reductions in anxiety at 6-month follow-up. Relative to AO, BMI + RT was associated with significant reductions in cannabis use at 1-month follow-up. There were no differences between BMI conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: This pilot trial was not adequately powered to conclusively evaluate relative efficacy but provides preliminary support for the short-term efficacy of both two-session interventions for reducing anxiety and cannabis-related risk among nontreatment seeking emerging adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).