Incentives for cannabis abstinence in people living with HIV
Feasibility and Impact of 28-days of Monitored Abstinence From Cannabis Use on Symptoms of Distress, Inflammation, and HIV Viral Load
This study is testing whether giving money as a reward can help people living with HIV who regularly use cannabis to stop using it for 28 days and see how it affects their health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Houston, Texas and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04866004 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effects of a 28-day program designed to encourage abstinence from cannabis use among individuals living with HIV who use cannabis regularly. Participants will receive monetary incentives for achieving verified cannabis abstinence and will attend seven study visits to complete surveys and provide biological samples for testing. The study will assess various health outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety, pain, sleep quality, HIV viral load, and inflammation biomarkers. This pilot trial is a single-arm feasibility study focusing on the impact of contingency management on cannabis use and related health issues.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are HIV-positive individuals who use cannabis at least weekly and are willing to abstain for 28 days.
Not a fit: Patients currently receiving treatment for cannabis use disorder or those with major depressive or anxiety disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve mental health and overall health outcomes for individuals living with HIV who use cannabis.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of contingency management for cannabis use in this population is novel, similar studies have shown promise in other substance use contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * HIV-positive (confirmed via HIV medication or relevant HIV labs in subject's name) * Self-report of cannabis use at least once per week in the 6-month period prior to consent * Provide a positive urine toxicology (UTOX) screen for cannabis * Not seeking treatment for cannabis use * Willing to stop using cannabis for 28 days and attend eight study visits over six weeks. * Ability and willingness to provide inform consent * English fluency Exclusion Criteria: * Currently receiving treatment for cannabis or other drug use disorder * Diagnosed or receiving treatment for a current major depressive or anxiety disorder * Diagnosed with any current alcohol or substance use disorder (excluding nicotine) using the Structured Clinical Interview for Clinical Disorders (SCID) Interview (22) * Positive UTOX screen for opioids * Having a medical, psychiatric, occupational, or other condition that, in the judgment of the study physician, would make participation difficult or unsafe.
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas and 1 other locations
- Center for Neurobehavioral Research on Addiction — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio — San Antonio, Texas, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Chukwuemeka N Okafor, PhD, MPH — The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Chukwuemeka N Okafor, PhD, MPH
- Email: okaforcn@uthscsa.edu
- Phone: 857-225-3923
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.