Australian Doctor: September 6, 2012

A randomised-controlled trial testing the effectiveness of a program run by the Cannabis Information and Helpline (1800 30 40 50) was featured in this article. NCPIC’s Peter Gates led the research which found that “39% of those who received the intervention reported ‘clinically significant’ improvement – halving of their overall cannabis use with no cannabis-related lifestyle or behavioural issues.” Over a one month period, study participants spoke to helpline counsellors who delivered the “specialised cognitive behaviour therapy and motivational interviewing” sessions. Participants were then followed up at three months. On average, participants “reported abstaining from cannabis on three out of four days in the last month of treatment, compared with just one in four days before starting treatment.” Further, the researchers noted that “the results were comparable to the most intensive and comprehensive trial of face-to-face therapy delivered over 12 weeks.” The success of the helpline means that phone counselling is a viable option for those experiencing cannabis-related issues in remote locations where access to face-to-face counselling is not available.