Rewards for abstaining from cannabis use

The Cost-effectiveness of Contingency Management Compared to Standard Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Treating Cannabis Use Disorder in Youth: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Parnassia Addiction Research Centre · NCT05836207

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment154 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 22 Years
SexAll
SponsorParnassia Addiction Research Centre Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Amsterdam and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05836207 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are youths aged 16-22 who are seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder and are willing to commit to abstinence.

Not a fit: Patients with acute psychosis or suicidality, or those who do not speak Dutch, may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using contingency management for substance use disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Amsterdam and 4 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cannabis Use Disordercontingency managementcognitive behavioural therapyCMCBTcost-effectivenessyouthrandomized controlled trial
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.