title: Efficacy of a targeted cognitive-behavioral treatment program for cannabis use disorders (CANDIS).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the efficacy, 3- and 6-month follow-up effects of a psychological treatment for older adolescents and adults with DSM-IV cannabis use disorders. The program was tailored to the needs of this patient population.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized controlled clinical trial of 122 patients aged 16 to 44 years with DSM-IV cannabis dependence as the main substance use diagnosis was conducted. Patients were randomly assigned to either Active Treatment (AT, n = 90) or a Delayed Treatment Control group (DTC, n = 32). Treatment consisted of 10 sessions of therapy, detailed in a strictly enforced manual. Assessments were conducted at baseline, during each therapy session, at post treatment and at follow-up assessments at 3 and 6 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The treatment retention rate was 88%. Abstinence was achieved in 49% of AT patients and in 13% of those in DTC (p < 0.001; intend-to-treat (ITT) analysis). Further, AT patients improved significantly (p < = 0.001) in the frequency of cannabis use per week, addiction severity, number of disability days, and overall level of psychopathology. Program effects were maintained over a 3-month- (abstinence rate: 51%) and 6-month follow-up (45%) period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The treatment program is effective in obtaining abstinence as well as reducing cannabis use and improves the associated social and mental health burden.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Strasse 46,D-01187 Dresden, Germany.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hoch
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Noack
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Henker
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pixa
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Höfler
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Behrendt
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bühringer
authors.forename: H-U
authors.initials: HU
authors.lastname: Wittchen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013997:Time Factors