Feasibility and Utility of a Structured Guide for Cannabis Tolerance Breaks in Young Adults

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo explore the feasibility and utility of a tolerance break (T-Break) guide on young adults’ cannabis use.ParticipantsYoung adults aged 18-29 (n=125) who were current cannabis users.MethodsParticipants recruited through posters and listservs at various universities were offered the T-Break Guide—daily activities, advice, and encouragement—to help complete a 21-day cannabis break. Bivariate analyses examined associations between Guide use and follow-up measures.ResultsCompared to non-Guide users, participants who used the Guide “a lot” were more likely to complete the 21-day abstinence break (84% vs. 57%), revise their personal definition of balance to mean less cannabis (84% vs. 62%), and plan a future break (32% vs. 11%).ConclusionUse of this self-directed Guide may help young adults take a break from cannabis use and reduce future use. Further research using more rigorous designs to test the Guide’s efficacy and assess longer-term maintenance of effects is needed.