Rewards for abstaining from cannabis use
Official title: The Cost-effectiveness of Contingency Management Compared to Standard Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Treating Cannabis Use Disorder in Youth: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Parnassia Addiction Research Centre · NCT05836207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a rewards program or therapy is better at helping young people aged 16-22 quit using cannabis and stay abstinent over a year.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years to 22 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 154 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Parnassia Addiction Research Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Amsterdam and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 21, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | September 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 31, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05836207 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are youths aged 16-22 who are seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder and are willing to commit to abstinence.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with acute psychosis or suicidality, or those who do not speak Dutch, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of contingency management (CM) compared to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating cannabis use disorder (CUD) in youths aged 16-22. Participants will be randomly assigned to either 12 weeks of outpatient CM or CBT, with assessments conducted at multiple time points to evaluate cannabis abstinence and treatment outcomes. The study aims to determine which approach leads to more days of abstinence and is more cost-effective over a 12-month follow-up period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for young individuals struggling with cannabis use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using contingency management for substance use disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Youths (16-22 years) seeking treatment for a primary CUD * Regular cannabis use (≥14 days) in past 4 weeks * Intention to cease cannabis use during intervention * Able and willing to attend the treatment center and submit urine samples under supervision twice-weekly * Informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Health contra-indications (e.g., acute psychosis/suicidality) * Insufficient Dutch language.
Where it's running
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Jellinek, Stichting Arkin B.V.
Amsterdam, Netherlands Recruiting -
IrisZorg
Arnhem, Netherlands Recruiting -
Antes Youz
Rotterdam, Netherlands Recruiting -
Brijder
The Hague, Netherlands Recruiting -
Novadic-Kentron
Vught, Netherlands Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Renske Spijkerman, PhD — Parc
- Study coordinator: Eva Garssen, MsC
- Email: e.garssen@brijder.nl
- Phone: +3188 358 20 34
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Can tACS modulate motivation and reward signals in cannabis use disorder and depression
We’re testing whether a gentle brain stimulation method (tACS) can boost motivation and reward responses in adults with cannabis use and/or depression to see if it helps with anhedonia.
-
Sex differences in how cannabis affects people who regularly use it
This Phase 2 trial tests whether men and women who use cannabis several days a week respond differently to THC versus placebo.
-
Semaglutide for cannabis use disorder: see if a medicine helps reduce use
This study tests whether weekly injections of semaglutide can help adults with cannabis use disorder reduce their cannabis use compared with placebo.
-
Brain imaging to predict teens' response to cannabis treatment
This project will test whether teens' brain activity during a learning task can predict how well 14–17-year-olds do in a 10-week virtual reward program to reduce cannabis use.
-
Reducing cannabis use to improve daily functioning.
This program will try an 8-week combination of motivational interviewing, computerized CBT (CBT4CBT), and small financial rewards to help adults with cannabis use disorder cut back on cannabis.
-
Home-based brain stimulation with guided mindfulness for cannabis use disorder
This project tests whether daily at-home mild brain stimulation plus guided mindfulness can help adults with cannabis use disorder reduce or stop their cannabis use.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.