RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of Action-Based Cognitive Remediation on Substance Misuse in Early Phase Psychosis

This study is for young people aged 16-30 who are in the early stages of a psychotic illness and also have problems with alcohol or cannabis use. It's comparing a new, shorter therapy called Action-Based Cognitive Remediation (ABCR) to standard care. Psychotic illnesses can make daily life challenging, and using substances like alcohol and cannabis can make things harder. While other therapies have shown promise, they can be long. This study wants to find out if the quicker ABCR therapy, which helps improve thinking skills, can help people reduce their alcohol and cannabis use. Participants will either attend virtual group sessions for two months or receive a brief information session.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Enrolment target

Start

27 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2028

Psychosis Alcohol Use Disorder Cannabis Use Disorder

What is this study about?

Psychotic illnesses are conditions that can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. They often start when people are young, in their late teens or early twenties. Living with a psychotic illness can be challenging for individuals and their families, affecting school, work, and relationships. When people also use alcohol or cannabis, it can make managing their condition harder. This is because these substances can affect brain development, worsen symptoms, and sometimes make it more difficult to stick with treatment.

While we know substance use can be a problem, there aren't many specific treatments designed to help young people in the early stages of psychosis with this issue. However, a type of therapy called cognitive remediation, which helps improve thinking skills, has shown promise. We've seen that some forms of this therapy can help, but they are often quite long.

This study is looking at a new, shorter therapy called Action-Based Cognitive Remediation (ABCR). It's designed to help improve the same thinking skills as longer therapies, but it only takes two months to complete, with sessions twice a week. We want to find out if ABCR can help young people with early psychosis reduce their alcohol and/or cannabis use, which could help them manage their condition better and improve their overall lives.

Key takeaways

Targets young people (16-30) with early psychosis and alcohol/cannabis use problems.
Compares a new, shorter therapy (ABCR) to standard care.
ABCR aims to improve thinking skills and reduce substance use.
Participation involves virtual group sessions or a brief information session.
Study lasts about three months, including follow-up.
You have the right to withdraw at any time without affecting your care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged between 16 and 30 years old. You would need to have been diagnosed with a primary psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and have had the illness for less than five years. This means the study is focused on people who are in the early stages of their condition.

Additionally, you must be experiencing problems with alcohol and/or cannabis use. This will be checked using specific questionnaires if you're interested in joining.

However, you cannot take part if you currently have a stimulant use disorder, which means a problem with substances like ecstasy or amphetamines.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 16 and 30 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (like schizophrenia)?
Has your psychotic illness been present for less than five years?
Do you have problems with alcohol and/or cannabis use (which will be assessed)?
Do you NOT currently have a stimulant use disorder (e.g., problems with ecstasy or amphetamines)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, first, there will be some checks to make sure the study is right for you. If you qualify and decide to take part, you'll be given a choice: either join the ABCR therapy group or receive standard care.

If you choose the ABCR group, you'll attend 16 therapy sessions online in a group format. These sessions will happen twice a week over two months. If you choose the standard care group, you'll have one brief online session that provides information about how substance use can affect recovery.

For both groups, we'll collect information from you at the beginning of the study, at the end of the two months of therapy, and then again one month after the therapy ends. This information will include details about your background, your health, your substance use, and your thinking skills like memory and attention. You'll be asked to fill out questionnaires and participate in some assessments. The total duration of your participation, including follow-up, will be around three months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some benefits; for example, the ABCR therapy might help you improve your thinking skills and reduce your alcohol or cannabis use, which could lead to a better quality of life and improved overall well-being. However, as with any study, there could be some risks. You might find the therapy sessions or assessments challenging or time-consuming, and there's no guarantee that the therapy will work for everyone. If you're in the standard care group, you might not see the same potential benefits as those receiving the ABCR therapy. It's important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Psychosis Intervention Early Recovery program
Verified postcode
St. John's, Canada· Recruiting
Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program
Verified postcode
Halifax, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, sometimes causing them to lose touch with reality.

What is 'Action-Based Cognitive Remediation' (ABCR)?

ABCR is a type of therapy designed to help improve thinking skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving through practical activities.

Will I have to stop using alcohol or cannabis if I join?

The study aims to help you reduce your alcohol and/or cannabis use, but it's not a requirement to stop entirely to participate. Your current use will be assessed.

How long will the therapy sessions be?

The ABCR therapy involves 16 sessions, twice a week, over two months. Each session length will be explained by the study team.

Will this study affect my usual care?

No, taking part in this study will not affect the standard medical care you receive for your psychotic illness.

How to find out more

Rachel Church, MSc. OT

rachel.church@nshealth.ca 902-473-7474 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.