Impact of reducing cannabis use on functioning in veterans with PTSD
Functional Outcomes of Cannabis Use (FOCUS) in Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
This study is testing how cutting down on cannabis use can improve daily life for veterans with PTSD.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT04565028 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how reducing cannabis use affects the daily functioning of veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Utilizing ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methods, the research will evaluate the relationship between cannabis use and psychosocial functioning. The study will also implement mobile contingency management (CM) to assess the effects of decreased cannabis consumption among heavy users. The goal is to provide real-time data on the impact of cannabis reduction on veterans' functional outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans with a current PTSD diagnosis who use cannabis frequently.
Not a fit: Patients who are not veterans, do not have PTSD, or have other significant psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved daily functioning and overall well-being for veterans with PTSD.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been smaller studies on cannabis use and PTSD, this is one of the first large-scale trials specifically examining the effects of reduced cannabis use on functioning in veterans.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran status * Ability to speak and write fluent English * Current PTSD diagnosis * Use of cannabis on 13+ days in the past month (i.e., use on 3+ days per week) Exclusion Criteria: Participants will be excluded if they: * Have experienced a change in their psychiatric medication regimen during the past month (e.g., a new medication has been prescribed or the dose of an existing medication has been changed), or expect to experience a such a change during the course of the study * Are receiving non-study CUD treatment * Meet diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia (note that the SCID-5 (First et al., 2015) will be used to diagnoses these and other disorders) * Become imprisoned * Become hospitalized for psychiatric reasons * Report imminent risk for suicide or homicide * Meet current criteria for a substance use disorder other than cannabis use disorder or tobacco
Where this trial is running
Durham, North Carolina
- Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC — Durham, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jean C Beckham, PhD — Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Study coordinator: Angela C Kirby, MS
- Email: angela.kirby@va.gov
- Phone: (919) 286-0411
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.