The report, published online in early 2023, was made possible by the contributions of Dr. Harry Chen, John Paul Grogan, Sue Demasi, and staff and clinicians in UVM's Center for Health and Wellbeing. It shares findings from the first pilot study to evaluate the feasibility and utility of a T-Break Guide with young adult cannabis users. Overall, 62% of participants successfully completed a 21-day break from cannabis, and an additional 12% of the participants stopped using cannabis in line with their predetermined goal. 

The Guide is made up of daily activities, advice, and encouragement designed to help young adults complete a break from cannabis. This study evaluated completion of the break, worth of the break, definition of balance, future plans to take a break, cannabis use after the break, and changes in motivation, confidence, and other drug and alcohol use in a small sample of young adult cannabis users. 

“Treatments for cannabis use disorders, even brief interventions, can be resource intensive,” the study reads. “Our initial findings suggest that provision of a novel, low-burden, self-directed online guide provides an approach that may effectively encourage young adults to reduce their cannabis use...and may be especially useful in a college setting because it can easily be integrated into existing resources and services and was created with input from college students.” 

Tom Fontana (he/him) is the Alcohol, Cannabis, and Other Drugs Initiatives Manager for the University of Vermont. He coordinates prevention, education, and the brief intervention model, BASICS, which is designed to assist students in exploring their relationship with substance use in a shame-free environment.  

As part of Fontana’s work, the Center for Health and Wellbeing hosted a live webinar in advance of 4/20—a popular cannabis celebration that takes place each year on April 20—to parents and families of current students. The presentation, Cannabis on Campus: Updates on Culture and Trends, took attendees through basic cannabis terminology, updates to access and legislation, and provided insight into the ways students may engage with cannabis and social media. Watch the full webinar here. 

Fontana and the ACOD team are offering a community-wide T-break starting April 21, 2023. If you’re interested in participating, please reach out via email to tom.fontana@uvm.edu.  

Congratulations to Tom, the entire Alcohol, Cannabis, and Other Drugs team, and all who have contributed to this work.