In 2021, 14.6% of undergraduate college students reported daily use of cannabis while 40% reported monthly cannabis use. Cannabis use can impact attention, memory, and processing speed which may negatively affect academic outcomes. In an attempt to reduce negative outcomes associated with cannabis use and cannabis use disorder in nontreatment-seeking young adults brief interventions have been used. Cannabis tolerance breaks, or T-breaks, are one method that involves self-directed abstinence from cannabis for a predetermined amount of time, with the goal of using less cannabis after the break. This study examines the feasibility and utility of T-breaks among young adult cannabis users.
The study’s sample consisted of 125 young adults aged 18-29 who reported current cannabis use. Participants were asked to complete a 21-day break from cannabis use using the T-Break Guide. The guide provided participants with inspiration in the form of a quote, reflection, advice, encouragement, or alternative activities to engage in during each day of the break. Following the intervention, participants were asked if they had completed the 21-day break from cannabis and if they utilized the T-Break Guide. They were also asked to report their cannabis use after completing the break, if they believed the tolerance break was worth it, and perceived impact of the break on their future substance use. Data was analyzed using bivariate analyzes.
Results of the data analysis showed 37% of participants did not use the T-Break Guide, 38% used the Guide “some,” and 25% used the Guide “a lot.” In addition, 62% of participants reported that they successfully completed the T-break and 13% successfully completed their personal cannabis abstinence goal but not complete abstinence. Those who reported using the Guide “a lot” were more likely to complete the 21-day break, plan a future break, report that their personal definition of balance had changed to mean less cannabis use, and to report that they do not see themselves using cannabis in 3 years. Lastly, those who completed the T-break were more likely to report stopping or drinking less during the break and stopping or using less other drugs during the break.
Takeaway: Self-directed T-Break Guides may be a successful tool in assisting young adult cannabis users in taking a break from cannabis use and reducing future use.