Threat or opportunity: End-user perspectives on digital interventions for treatment of cannabis use

Background: The need for cannabis-related prevention and treatment has increased. As the internet is the primary source for young people to seek health-related information, digital intervention as a treatment option may provide help and support to reduce or quit cannabis use. However, more information is needed about the needs and wishes of end-users, such as young people who use cannabis and treatment providers, regarding the use and benefits of digital interventions. This presentation aims to give an overview of a study describing the end-users experiences about their thoughts on digital intervention for the treatment of cannabis use Methods: A descriptive qualitative research. Data were collected through focus groups and individual interviews with people who have used cannabis, treatment providers and experts of experience who had used cannabis (n=19). The interviews were recorded and transcribed into electronic text format. The thematic analysis method was used by coding experiences related to thoughts regarding digital interventions, categorizing the codes and identifying themes. Results: The preliminary findings suggest, that attitudes towards digital interventions were positive. The participants felt that digital interventions are a good additional support but not sufficient as the solely method and it should be combined with face-to-face treatment. The participants gave examples of how digital interventions could be used in addiction treatment. These included for example providing information about cannabis, help-seeking and treatment via the internet and social media as well as using social media to reach young people. Conclusions: The findings give indications of the direction in which the digital treatment of cannabis use should be developed so that it meets the needs and wishes of the end-users.