Table 4 Summary of evidence-based marijuana use group treatment for adults

Stephens et al. 2000 [74]

291 recruited individuals using marijuana more than 50 times in past 90 days (questionnaire screening), without severe psychological distress, psychosis, suicidal, cognitive impairments or formal treatment for marijuana use. Mean age 34 years, 23% female, 95% Caucasian.

1. Relapse prevention support group (RSPG; 14-sessions, 2 h each, over 18 weeks).

2. 2-session motivational interviewing (MI; Drinkers Check Up; 2 90-min sessions).

3. 4-month delayed treatment control (DTC)

1. Yes

2. Yes

2. No

RAWC; 1-, 4-, 7-, 13-, and 16-month f/u. 88% RSPG f/u rate, 92% MI f/u rate. Average number of RPSG treatment sessions was 8.42 out of 14. 86% MI tx completion.

Marijuana use, dependence symptoms, and negative consequences were reduced significantly in relation to pretreatment levels at 1-, 4-, 7-, 13-, and 16-month f/u. RPSG and MI evidenced greater improvement than DTC at the 4-month f/u. No significant differences between RPSG and MI outcomes at any f/u.

Stephens et al., 1994 [75]

212 recruited participants reporting using marijuana more than 50 times in 90 days (questionnaire screening), without other substance abuse or dependence, psychosis, or current treatment for marijuana use. Mean age 32 years, 24% female, 95% Caucasian.

10 2-h sessions:

1. Relapse prevention support group (RPSG)

2. Social Support Group (SSP)

1. Yes

2. No

RAAT; 1–3- 6- and 9-and 12-month f/u. 69% treatment completion, 78% f/u rate.

Men in RP were more likely than men in SSP to report reduced marijuana use without problems at 3-month f/u. No other differences between groups emerged.