Checkup and Choices LLC — Department of Health and Human Services SBIR Phase I: NIDA

Description

The objective of this research project is to develop an integrated set of digital tools that will deliver a brief motivational interventionBMIfor young adult marijuana users across a variety of platformsWe havein four randomized clinical trialsdemonstrated the effectiveness of similar tech based interventions for problem drinkingThese interventions have been integrated into one comprehensive programCheckUpandChoices comCCCC has been commercialized and is in use by the general public and treatment providersThis project will develop and test a newmarijuana focused component for CCthus expanding the type and size of the population it can serveFurtherby utilizing an advanced software stackdevelopment of the MCU will entail the development of an iOS Android mobile application that is integrated with CCThis innovation will enable new features with concomitant methodological advances in the clinical assessment and intervention of target behaviorsThusthe long term objective is not just to develop an app that will work across devices and platforms to deliver the MCUand enhance the overall reach and effectiveness of CCbut furtherto develop a clinical tool with the potential to advance the field of tech based interventions for substance abuseA major project goal in Phase I is to work with a group of individuals who are concerned about their cannabis useOur team of clinicians and software engineers will iteratively develop the prototype app and the interface between the app and web based version of MCUIn this Phase I studygiven the limited time frameour intent is to focus on usability and feasibilityAs suchthe features we will develop for the prototype will be based on the empirically supportedface to face BMI developed by our ConsultantsWe willin Phase IIcomplete its development that includes our research into the clinical benefits of this technologyas well as ongoing advances in technologyThe ability of technology to convey interventions to individuals who might not otherwise access treatment presents clinical scientists with a significant opportunity to help those struggling with addictionThe technology also affords methodologies with the potential to significantly advance the fields of behavioral health and clinical psychologyGiven the human suffering and financial cost associated with alcohol and substance abusethis innovation has significant potential to reduce the burden these disorders place on the people who use itas well as their family and friendsand society at large Emerging data indicates that regular exposure to cannabis prior to maturation leads to permanent deficits in brain functioningThis is a compelling reason to develop interventions that motivate young adults to minimize their use of cannabisDeveloping this application as a first step in the process of change will significantly enhance the effectiveness ofaction stageweb based interventions for individuals who are trying to reduce their marijuana useReducing cannabis use and related problems in this population will benefit those individualstheir familiesand our society