Working Memory Training for Adolescents With Cannabis Use Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Adolescent cannabis use is associated with working memory impairment. The present randomized controlled trial assigned adolescents ages 14 to 21 enrolled in cannabis use treatment to receive either working memory training (experimental group) or a control training (control group) as an adjunctive treatment. Cognitive function, drug use, and other outcomes were assessed before and after training. We observed few differences in cognitive, functional, or self-reported drug use outcomes as a function of training group, although tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) urinalysis results favored the experimental group. These findings are similar to previous studies in substance users, which have shown limited transfer effects for working memory training.

Keywords: adolescents; cannabis; cognitive training; marijuana; working memory.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest MJ Fishman is the Medical Director of Mountain Manor Treatment Center (MMTC) where the patients enrolled in the study described in this article were treated. He is a part-time faculty member of Johns Hopkins University. He is a beneficiary of the trust which owns MMTC. He also serves on the governing board of the trust and the Board of Directors of MMTC. This arrangement has been reviewed and approved by Johns Hopkins University in accordance with its conflict of interest policies. The authors have no other conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1

Participant flow diagram.

Figure 2

Fitted probability for THC-positive urines over time for both groups using GEE model described in text.