title: Tailoring cannabis dependence treatment for a diverse population.
abstract: Accumulating evidence suggests that psychosocial treatment for cannabis dependence is effective. Earlier investigations were well designed and sought to evaluate efficacy of manual-guided therapies with particular attention to protecting the independent variable. The Marijuana Treatment Project (MTP) represents an effort to build upon previous knowledge about cannabis dependence treatment through an evaluation of an integrative therapy, which was meant to allow for greater therapist latitude in its delivery, and to be more responsive to a potentially more diverse population of clients. The treatment intervention developed for delivery in the Marijuana Treatment Project (MTP) reflects an effort to find a true compromise between the needs of the scientific community to have clearly specified and measurable treatments, and the realities of the treatment community, which demand flexibility, appreciation of the multi-determined nature of most problems, and individualized approaches. This paper will describe the clinical interventions used with the MTP participants, the theoretical rationale guiding their design and practical aspects related to implementation and treatment response.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington, CT 06030-1410, USA. steinbe@psychiatry.uchc.edu
authors.forename: Karen L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Steinberg
authors.forename: Roger A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Roffman
authors.forename: Kathleen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.forename: Elise
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kabela
authors.forename: Ronald
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kadden
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Duresky
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000628:therapy*; D009042:Motivation; D011340:Problem Solving; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief / Q000379:methods*