Effects of Action-Based Cognitive Remediation on Substance Misuse in Early Phase Psychosis

Launched by NOVA SCOTIA HEALTH AUTHORITY · Jun 29, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new type of therapy called Action-Based Cognitive Remediation, which is designed to help young people with early psychosis who also struggle with alcohol or cannabis use. Psychosis is a condition that affects how people think and perceive the world, and when combined with substance use, it can make recovery harder. This therapy uses a mix of education, computer-based brain training, and practical exercises to improve thinking skills and social abilities. The goal is to see if this approach, delivered virtually, can reduce alcohol and cannabis use better than usual care.

The study is looking for participants aged 16 to 30 who have been diagnosed with a recent psychotic disorder (less than 5 years) and have problematic use of alcohol or cannabis based on specific screening tests. People with stimulant drug problems won’t be eligible. Those who join can expect to take part in 16 therapy sessions over about two months, all offered online to make it easier for people living in different areas. The study will also explore whether understanding a person’s readiness to change their habits can help keep them engaged in therapy and improve results. This trial aims to find better ways to support young people facing both psychosis and substance use challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • This study will enroll individuals 16-30 years of age from the Early Intervention Services for Psychosis programs in Nova Scotia and the Psychosis Intervention Early Recovery program in Newfoundland
• • Diagnosed with a primary psychotic disorder (e.g. schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and unspecified schizophrenia spectrum disorder)
• • Less than 5 years of psychotic illness
• • Has problematic alcohol and/or cannabis use (score of 8 or higher on the World Health Organization Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (WHO-AUDIT) or Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test-Revised (CUDIT-R)).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current stimulant use disorder