Testing the Efficacy of the Cannabis Clinic for Patients With Psychosis (CCP) Intervention for Cannabis Use Reduction/Cessation in Patients With First Episode Psychosis (FEP)
This study is testing a special support programme called the Cannabis Clinic for Psychosis (CCP) for people experiencing their first episode of psychosis who also use cannabis. Cannabis use can make psychosis symptoms worse and lead to more hospital stays. The CCP intervention offers one-to-one talking therapy sessions and optional online group support to help people cut down or stop using cannabis. This study wants to see how well this programme works, so it’s comparing those who receive the support now with those who get standard care first, then the support later. It aims to make sure more people can benefit from this kind of help if it proves effective.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is about understanding how to better support people who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis and also use cannabis. We know that using cannabis, especially strong types, can make psychosis symptoms worse, lead to more frequent relapses, and result in longer hospital stays. Currently, there aren't many dedicated programmes in the NHS specifically designed to help people with psychosis manage their cannabis use, even though it's a really important issue for many.
To address this, a special programme called the Cannabis Clinic for Psychosis (CCP) was set up. It offers tailored support and talking therapies to help individuals reduce or stop their cannabis use. Early results from this clinic have been positive, showing it's a safe and helpful approach. However, before it can be offered more widely across the country, it needs to be tested properly in a larger research study.
This study is a 'waiting list randomised controlled trial'. This means that some people will get access to the CCP programme straight away, while others will continue with their usual care for a period, and then receive the CCP programme later. By comparing these two groups, researchers can clearly see how effective the CCP programme is at helping people with psychosis reduce their cannabis use.
Key takeaways
- This study evaluates a programme designed to reduce cannabis use in people with early psychosis.
- Cannabis use can worsen psychosis symptoms and outcomes.
- The programme offers one-to-one talking therapies and optional group support.
- Sessions are flexible (online or in person) and tailored to your preferences.
- Participation involves being in a group that receives the programme now or later.
- The study aims to improve care for a significant number of people affected by psychosis and cannabis use.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you would need to be an adult between 18 and 65 years old. You should also be currently receiving care from one of the South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Early Intervention Teams for your first experience of psychosis, and be using cannabis regularly.
It's important that you also feel ready and willing to consider cutting down or stopping your cannabis use, and that you're able to understand and agree to take part in the study. Your care team will help assess this with you.
However, you wouldn't be able to join if you can't give your agreement to take part, or if you're currently experiencing a crisis affecting your safety. Also, if you use other recreational drugs very frequently (more than twice a week) or are already in another research study, you wouldn't be eligible.
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 18 and 65 years old?
- Are you currently under the care of a South London and Maudsley (SLaM) Early Intervention Team for your first episode of psychosis?
- Do you regularly use cannabis and are considering reducing or stopping?
- Are you able to agree to take part in a research study?
- Are you not using other recreational drugs very frequently (more than twice a week)?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in the study, you would be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either the group that receives the special CCP support programme first, or the group that continues with their usual care for a while before getting access to the CCP programme. The main aim is to see if your cannabis use changes over time.
If you're in the group receiving the CCP programme, you'll have one-to-one sessions with a trained therapist. These sessions will usually happen once a week for about 12 weeks, although this can be a bit flexible. You can choose whether these sessions are online or face-to-face, depending on what works best for you. There's also an option to join a weekly online group chat with others who are also supported by the programme.
The sessions use different talking therapy techniques, like motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy, to help you understand your cannabis use and set goals to reduce it. We also offer support if you use tobacco. There are no medications involved in the programme. The study will last for about 30 months from when it starts, and during this time, researchers will check in to see how your cannabis use is changing.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Marina HouseVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental health condition where someone experiences changes in their thoughts and perceptions, such as seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations) or having strong beliefs that aren't based in reality (delusions).
Why is cannabis use a concern with psychosis?
For people with psychosis, using cannabis, especially regularly, can make symptoms worse, increase the risk of relapses, and lead to more frequent or longer stays in hospital. It can also affect thinking abilities.
What does 'first episode psychosis' mean?
This term refers to the first time someone experiences symptoms of psychosis. Early support and treatment at this stage can be very important.
What kind of support is offered in the CCP programme?
The programme offers one-to-one talking therapy sessions with trained therapists. These sessions use techniques like goal setting and motivational interviewing to help you reduce or stop your cannabis use, and can be online or in person.
Will I have to stop using cannabis completely?
The programme is designed to support you in reducing or stopping your cannabis use, based on your own goals and what you feel ready for. The aim is to help you take control of your cannabis use for better health outcomes.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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