Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Addiction: Efficacy and Cost-Effectiveness in a Pragmatic Clinical Trial

Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Substance Dependence

Treatments: Behavioral: Computer-based Training for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Behavioral: Treatment As Usual

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03767907

073/2018

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a Computer-based Training for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT4CBT) to treatment as usual in outpatients seeking treatment for substance use disorder.

Full description

Fifty-two adult outpatients seeking treatment for substance use disorder from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Addictions Program will be randomized to receive either a computer-based training for cognitive behavioural therapy or treatment as usual for eight weeks. Participants will complete interviews, questionnaires, and other assessments (urine toxicology and physiological assessments) at week 0, at week 8, and at 6 month follow-up). Measures will assess alcohol and drug consumption, substance use disorder symptoms and associated features, quality of life, and healthcare costs.

Enrollment: 49 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. 18 years of age or older
2. Fluency in English
3. Understanding and willingness to comply with study requirements
4. Meet diagnostic criteria for current substance use disorder
5. Have used substance in the past 30 days
6. Treatment-seeking for substance misuse

Exclusion criteria

1. Unable to read at sixth grade level
2. Untreated or unstable severe psychiatric or medical disorder
3. Acute suicidal or homicidal ideation

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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49 participants in 2 patient groups

Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Experimental group

Description:

Computer-based training for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT4CBT) consists of seven modules, and includes a series of interactive videos presenting characters portrayed by professional actors struggling with real-life situations. These characters first experience a common risky situation or problem and then demonstrate the application of a targeted skill. The program further comprises games and interactive exercises to teach and model effective use of skills and strategies.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Computer-based Training for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Treatment as Usual

Active Comparator group

Description:

Treatment as usual consists of weekly group and/or individual psychotherapy as determined by the clinical team. Psychotherapy will include structured relapse prevention, include cognitive and behavioural techniques, motivational enhancement, mindfulness, and specialized topics (e.g., vocational training, rainbow services) as appropriate.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Treatment As Usual