SEATTLE - The University of Washington is looking for people who need help kicking the marijuana habit.
UW School of Social Work’s Innovative Programs Research Group is looking for 70 marijuana-dependent adults in the Puget Sound area to participate in a clinical research trial that will test treatment approaches for people that want to stop using marijuana.
The University of Washington says research has shown that nearly 3.6 million Americans use marijuana on a daily or near-daily basis and between one-third and one-half of those are dependent.
The project will test two nine-session counseling proven treatments, both a blend of motivational enhancement therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Participants will be offered additional counseling sessions as needed, and half will be randomly assigned to receive post-counseling “checkups.”
“When people smoke marijuana they don’t intend to become dependent on it, but marijuana becomes pervasive over time,” said Cynthia Shaw, project director of the Marijuana Counseling Project. “People work hard in treatment programs, and many stop or reduce their marijuana use while in treatment but lose ground quickly once they leave treatment.”
To be eligible, volunteers must be
- at least 18
- want help in stopping marijuana use
- be willing to travel to the University District for counseling
If you are interested in participating in the study or have questions about it, contact Shaw at 206-616-3235 or mcpsvcs@uw.edu. Call between of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
All services are free and confidential. Participants will receive $50 for each post-counseling interview and a $50 incentive if they complete both.
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