Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Apr 11, 2019
Date Accepted: Jun 2, 2020
Internet-delivered tobacco treatment for people using Cannabis: A feasibility study within two Australian Cannabis Clinics
ABSTRACT
Background:
Tobacco use is disproportionately higher in people smoking cannabis than in the general population, increasing severity of dependence, decreasing likelihood of successful quit attempts, and increasing risk of relapse to both substances. Opportunities to address tobacco use in people using cannabis are being missed.
Objective:
This study sought to investigate the feasibility of engaging cannabis users who were accessing treatment for cannabis, with a tobacco-focused Internet-based Healthy Lifestyle Program (iHeLP, four modules). It was hypothesized that iHeLP completion would be associated with decreases in cannabis and tobacco use, and improved quality of life and psychological health. It was also hypothesized that iHeLP completion would be higher in those who additionally received telephone support.
Methods:
Thirteen cannabis treatment seekers were randomly allocated to iHeLP alone or iHeLP+telephone support. Participants engaged with iHeLP over eight weeks and completed a 12-week follow-up assessment.
Results:
Results from the ten participants who completed follow-up indicated that acceptability of iHeLP was high, with general satisfaction, appropriateness of services, effectiveness, and met needs rated as high-very high by participants.. Additional telephone support increased modal module completion rates for iHeLP from 0 to 2, but did not provide any other significant advantages over iHeLP alone in terms of cannabis use, tobacco use, quality of life, or psychological health. Severity of tobacco dependence significantly decreased for both treatment groups (Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence scores: baseline=5.7, follow-up=4.6, t(9)=2.283, p=.048).
Conclusions:
Despite the very small sample size, this study provides preliminary support for the use of Internet-delivered tobacco-focused interventions in concurrent cannabis and tobacco users. Clinical Trial: NA
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