@article{ref1,
title="ICan, an Internet-based intervention to reduce cannabis use: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial",
journal="Trials",
year="2021",
author="Goudriaan, Anna E. and van Laar, Margriet W. and Blankers, Matthijs and Olthof, Marleen I. A.",
volume="22",
number="1",
pages="e28-e28",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Heavy cannabis use is associated with adverse physical and mental health effects. Despite available effective treatments, the majority of heavy cannabis  users does not seek professional help. Web-based interventions can provide an  alternative for cannabis users who are reluctant to seek professional help. Several  web-based cannabis interventions are effective in reducing cannabis use; however,  the effect sizes are typically small and attrition rates are typically high. This  suggests that web-based programs can be an effective cannabis use intervention for  some, while others may need additional substance use treatment after completing a  web-based intervention. Therefore, it is important that web-based interventions do  not solely focus on reducing cannabis use, but also on improving attitudes towards  substance use treatment. The Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment  (SBIRT) approach appears to be well suited for the purpose of reducing cannabis use  and improving substance use treatment utilization. Based on the SBIRT approach-and  based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI)-we  developed the Internet-based cannabis reduction intervention ICan. <br><br>METHODS/DESIGN:  This protocol paper presents the design of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in  which we evaluate the effectiveness of the ICan intervention compared to four online  modules of educational information on cannabis in a sample of Dutch frequent  cannabis users. The primary outcome measure is frequency of cannabis use. Secondary  outcome measures include the quantity of cannabis used (grams), the attitudes  towards seeking help and the number of participants who enter specialized treatment  services for cannabis use-related problems. <br><br>DISCUSSION: To the best of our  knowledge, ICan is the first Internet-based intervention for cannabis users that  combines screening, a brief intervention-based on CBT and MI-and referral to  treatment options. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered in the Netherlands  Trial Register; identifier NL7668. Registered on 17 April 2019.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1745-6215",
doi="10.1186/s13063-020-04962-3",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13063-020-04962-3"
}