Would you like to stop using cannabis? Have withdrawal symptoms made it difficult for you to stop using in the past? Researchers from the University of Sydney are conducting a trial of an alternative medication for the treatment of cannabis withdrawal. This may help to reduce withdrawal symptoms experienced when people stop regular use. Participation in this study will require you to spend 7 days in an inpatient unit. Counselling will be available to those who request it. For more information please call 1800 757 110. All calls are treated in confidence.

cannabis_withdrawal_trial_flyer.pdf  

More information about the trial

Researchers from the University of Sydney, with clinicians from Riverlands Drug and Alcohol Centre in Lismore, have recently commenced an NHMRC-funded clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of lithium in the management of cannabis withdrawal.

Although behavioural interventions have been shown to be useful in the management of problematic cannabis use, withdrawal symptoms (e.g., sleep difficulties, increased anger and aggression, irritability, nervousness and anxiety) may be a barrier to achieving and maintaining abstinence. There are currently no evidence-based pharmacotherapies for the management of cannabis withdrawal. The availability of a safe and effective medication would be valuable both in supporting the attainment of abstinence and as a means of attracting cannabis users into treatment.

Lithium is a mood-stabilising medication commonly used for the management of bipolar affective disorder. The findings of an open-label human trial recently completed by the current investigators provided preliminary evidence of the potential utility of lithium in the management of cannabis withdrawal.

Participants are currently being recruited to the present project: A double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial of lithium for cannabis withdrawal management. Participants need to be aged 18 years or older and meet DSM-IV criteria for cannabis dependence. Medical officers will screen potential participants to determine eligibility for trial and suitability for inpatient admission.

Participants will be admitted to the inpatient detoxification unit at Riverlands for 7 days and administered lithium (500mg b.d.) or placebo. Participants will be monitored daily for self-reported cannabis withdrawal symptoms and lithium adverse effects and toxicity, with follow-up interviews conducted 14- 30- and 90- days post discharge. Blood, urine and saliva samples will be taken throughout the course of the trial to monitor lithium, oxytocin and THC levels.

If you are interested in finding out more about the trial, please contact the Trial Coordinator, Dr Jennifer Johnston on 1800 757 110 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it