A postal intervention for dependent cannabis users

Introduction and Aims. In Australia, many would-be treatment seekers for problematic cannabis use live in rural and remote areas, thereby limiting their access to face-to-face treatments. In order to address this gap in treatment availability, the present study aimed to assess the feasibility of a mail-based intervention for regular cannabis users. Design and Methods. Treatment was based upon cognitive-behavioural and motivational interviewing principles, and consisted of six treatment modules posted fortnightly to participants. In addition to the standardised modules, participants received personalised feedback at four points, based upon their mailed-in responses to the modules. Participants were recruited via advertisements in rural newspapers and a Google advertisement. Results. A total of 268 people expressed interest in this study and 36 participants went on to complete treatment. Treatment completers demonstrated a significant reduction in cannabis use at the 1 month follow-up. Discussion and Conclusions. Transposing face-to-face treatments into a mailed format has shown some promise and future research is warranted to determine the efficacy of such treatments in a controlled study.