Comparison of extended versus brief treatments for marijuana use.
Adult marijuana users (N = 291) seeking treatment were randomly assigned to an extended 14-session cognitive-behavioral group treatment (relapse prevention support group; RPSG), a brief 2-session individual treatment using motivational interviewing (individualized assessment and intervention; IAI), or a 4-month delayed treatment control (DTC) condition. Results indicated that marijuana use, dependence symptoms, and negative consequences were reduced significantly in relation to pretreatment levels at 1-, 4-, 7-, 13-, and 16-month follow-ups. Participants in the RPSG and IAI treatments showed significantly and substantially greater improvement than DTC participants at the 4-month follow-up. There were no significant differences between RPSG and IAI outcomes at any follow-up. The relative efficacy of brief versus extended interventions for chronic marijuana-using adults is discussed.
Stephens
R S
RS
Department of Psychology 0436, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061, USA. stephens@vt.edu
Roffman
R A
RA
Curtin
L
L
D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000628:therapy*; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief / Q000379:methods*; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods; D012008:Recurrence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014861:Washington