Igor Yakovenko Recorded Webinar: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Cannabis Use Disorders: Latest Evidence, Treatment and Ethical Considerations

Original Air Date: April 22, 2021

Abstract:

While cannabis use is the most widely used illicit substance in the world, there appears to be a recent trend toward the legalization of cannabis for both medicinal and recreational purposes in North America. This cultural, legal, and political shift necessitates vigilance by clinicians and public health officials in delivering informed care for those who may develop problems with cannabis.  Although evidence-based treatments for cannabis use disorder exist, their faithful implementation in the broader community remains modest. The goal of this webinar is to provide an overview of the latest evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for cannabis use disorders. The impact of COVID-19 on cannabis use and potential clinical implications will be briefly summarized. A review of the current state of the literature on efficacy of treatments will be provided, including where CBT stands compared to other forms of treatment. Using the cognitive model as a foundation for case conceptualization of clients with cannabis use disorder, treatment considerations and specific examples of CBT treatment components will be outlined. The presentation will finish with recommendations for integration of third-wave CBT principles such as mindfulness into core treatment for cannabis use disorders. 

Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

 •    Summarize the efficacy of CBT for cannabis use disorders compared to other treatments.

 •    Describe the potential impact of COVID-19 on cannabis use. 

 •    Explain the CBT model for cannabis use disorders. 

 •    List key practical and ethical applications of CBT for cannabis use disorders.

About the Presenter: Dr. Igor Yakovenko earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Calgary, completing his clinical residency at Yale University and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alberta in public health and cannabis use disorders. He is an Assistant Professor and clinical psychologist in the Departments of Psychology & Neuroscience and Psychiatry at Dalhousie University. His research and clinical work focus on the associated features and determinants of substance use, and co-morbidity of addiction and other psychiatric disorders. He has expertise in the treatment of a variety of substance use disorders including cannabis and behavioral addictions and continues to engage in clinical work outside of his academic work. His recent CIHR-funded research in Canada has been invested in developing evidence-based web interventions for cannabis use.

Recommended Readings: Williams, A. R., & Hill, K. P. (2019). Cannabis and the current state of treatment for cannabis use disorder. FOCUS, A Journal of the American Psychiatric Association, 17(2), 98-103.

Lees, R., Hines, L. A., D'Souza, D. C., Stothart, G., Di Forti, M., Hoch, E., & Freeman, T. P. (2020). Psychosocial and pharmacological treatments for cannabis use disorder and mental health comorbidities: a narrative review. Psychological Medicine, 1-12.

Vidot, D. C., Islam, J. Y., Camacho-Rivera, M., Harrell, M. B., Rao, D. R., Chavez, J. V., ... & Messiah, S. E. (2020). The COVID-19 cannabis health study: results from an epidemiologic assessment of adults who use cannabis for medicinal reasons in the United States. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 1-11.

About the Moderator: James F. Boswell, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University at Albany SUNY, and an Associate of the Center for the Elimination of Minority Health Disparities. His research focuses on the processes and outcomes of psychological interventions and science-practice integration, including measurement-based care and harnessing practice-based evidence. 

All attendees will receive a certificate of completion when the course requirements are satisfied. Certificates of completion is included in the cost of the webinar

ABCT is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. ABCT maintains responsibility for this program and its content

The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5797. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs

The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is recognized by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences for Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) to offer continuing education as Provider #4600

Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0124

Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0657.