Roll of psychological intervention in treatment of cannabis users

Abstract

Background: Cannabis has been found highly correlated to deterioration in executive functions. It is a type of substance which has a component known as Delta 9-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It is the primary psychoactive compound of cannabis. In cannabis concentration of THC has been increased more than 12% in the last 30 years, which is making this drug stronger than it used to be. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and motivational enhancement therapy (MET) in persistent cannabis users. Materials & Methods: Sample: The sample (n=20) was selected from Sankalp drug de-addiction suited in Tarn Taran, Punjab after assessment of executive functions. The participants were further divided into four groups i.e. Gr_I=CBT, Gr_II=MET, Gr_III=CBT+MET, and Gr_IV=Control. Tools: In the present study total 5 test were used for measurement of executive function. These were; 1) Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF), 2) Stroop Neuropsychological Screening Test (SNST) 3) Working Memory Index: -i) Number Letter Sequencing Test ii) Arithmetic Test iii) Digit Span Test from Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III 4) Memory Scale from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Neuropsychological Battery and 5) Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Results: The analysis was done with SPSS 16.0. In the results, it has been found that before the intervention all four groups were performed equally on all tasks of executive functions. And all groups had equal deficits in the executive functions. In the post-intervention results, it has been seen that a combination of both therapies is more efficient than single therapy. Conclusion: Overall in most of the areas of executive functions the patient showed more improvement than the control group when a combination of both therapies was used. 

Keywords: Cannabis, cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, executive functions, cognitive deficits