NCPIC is currently running a number of treatment studies in order to assist those wishing to cut down or quit their cannabis use. Please see below for more information and contact details of the researchers involved in these studies.

Cannabis Information and Helpline Study

NCPIC is conducting a free telephone-based cannabis treatment study. The treatment is based on cognitive behavioural and motivational interviewing strategies and is complimented by a self-help ‘quitting cannabis workbook’. The treatment involves four sessions, or calls, over four weeks made by counsellors from the Cannabis Information and Helpline. Anybody interested in participating must; live in Australia, be over 16, be English literate, and want to quit or reduce their cannabis use. Participants will be reimbursed for costs incurred at the end of a three month follow-up study on the treatment outcomes. To take part in this treatment, please phone the Cannabis Information and Helpline service on 1800 30 40 50 or email p.gates@unsw.edu.au.

Web-intervention Study: Reduce Your Use

NCPIC has recently launched a free, web-based treatment for cannabis use and related problems and is conducting a study that will test the effectiveness of the new treatment. The confidential*, online delivery attempts to make assistance more accessible for those in need and uses established counselling practices. It is available world-wide to participants who are 18 years or older, want to quit or reduce their cannabis use and have regular access to the internet. For more information, please email reduceyouruse@med.unsw.edu.au.

*Except where any information provided involves significant harm to self or others or suggested child abuse.

Cannabis Check-Up+ for Young Adults

NCPIC, in conjunction with the Brain & Mind Research Institute, is evaluating the Cannabis Check-Up+ for Young Adults. This is a Brief Intervention for young people who smoke cannabis and have mental health difficulties who might want a chance to talk about their cannabis use without worrying about feeling any pressure to change. Cannabis use will be discussed in an informative and educational way that will allow individuals to make their own decisions about whether they want to make any changes. Each person is also provided with some strategies for managing use, should they wish to do so. Regardless of whether they want to change their cannabis use or not, the principle focus of the intervention is to help identify values and improve quality of life. Participation involves 6-9 hours of time spread over several weeks and reimbursement in vouchers (books/music/DVD) are provided for completing assessments. To find out more information, please phone Rob on (02) 9351 0662 or email rbattisti@med.usyd.edu.au.