Clinical trial Recruiting at 5 sites Interventional Ages 16 to 22

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 typeInterventional
Ages16 Years to 22 Years
SexAll
Enrollment154 (estimated)
SponsorParnassia Addiction Research Centre
Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Amsterdam and 4 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 21, 2023
Main results expectedDecember 2026
Study endsSeptember 2027
Registry record updatedJuly 31, 2025
Trial IDNCT05836207 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

  • 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.