Targeting Tobacco Cessation During Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorders

Approximately 50% of persons seeking treatment for cannabis-use disorders (CUDs) regularly smoke tobacco. Combining tobacco with cannabis has become a common method of smoking cannabis. Similarities of use, and using together, can make quitting difficult. Stopping tobacco simultaneously with cannabis may be beneficial. Little scientific information currently addresses how to best target tobacco smoking during treatment for CUDs. Our long-term goal is to develop an effective protocol for intervening in tobacco smoking without changing cannabis outcomes. A two-phase, Stage 1 therapy development project will accomplish the following: First, a treatment protocol and manual will be developed that integrates a tailored intervention for tobacco smoking with an intervention for CUD (Aim 1). Utilization of web-based counseling programs will standardize delivery of the intervention and foster eventual dissemination. A pilot study will provide an initial test of acceptability and feasibility. Second, a Stage 1, proof-of-concept study will compare this intervention to one that targets CUD only (Aim 2). The hypotheses assert that the intervention (1) will be accepted by the majority of eligible participants (2) will result in more tobacco quit attempts and rates than the CUD-only treatment; and (3) will not adversely affect cannabis outcomes. Last, the project will evaluate the potential of specific moderators of outcomes to predict outcomes and inform subsequent treatment development efforts (Aim 3). If the hypotheses were confirmed, dissemination of this protocol would reduce adverse psychosocial and health consequences of tobacco or cannabis dependence. Findings will inform future development of prevention and intervention strategies.

Inclusion criteria

• 18-65 years old
• current DSM-IV diagnosis of cannabis abuse or dependence
• report use of cannabis on at least 45 of previous 90 days
• report regular use of tobacco cigarettes or report that their primary administration of cannabis is via blunts or spliffs
• some indication of interest in quitting tobacco in the next 6 months (rating of 2 or more on a 5-point interest scale

Exclusion criteria

• current dependence on alcohol or any drug other than tobacco and cannabis
• active or recent suicidal ideation
• use of non-tobacco nicotine
• current participation in treatment for substance abuse
• severe psychological distress (e.g., active suicidal plans, psychosis, debilitating panic disorder).
• a condition that requires seeing a physician before using NRT (e.g., pregnancy or recent heart attack
• legal status that would interfere with participation
• living with someone enrolled in the project
• not living within 30 miles of the research site (unless an exception is authorized by the PI)
• not being fluent in english