The pilot study used a pretest-posttest design in which participants completed a baseline survey and were asked to attempt a 21-day period of cannabis abstinence, to consider using the T-Break Guide (intervention) in their attempt, and to complete a follow-up survey after 30 days.~Participants were young adults aged 18-29 recruited through posters and tabling events at the University of Vermont (UVM), a post on a UVM webpage, emails on listservs of seven other universities, and a post on a subreddit focusing on responsible cannabis use. The posters and online announcements directed participants to the online baseline survey, which contained consent information before allowing participants to complete.~After completing the baseline survey, participants received a link to an online version of the T-Break Guide through email. After 30 days, participants received another email prompting them to complete the follow-up survey. The UVM Institutional Review Board reviewed and approved all study procedures (STUDY00001489).
The purpose of this pilot study is to conduct research into the value of using the T-Break Guide for assisting people taking a tolerance break from cannabis. The hope is that this initial research will yield some insights and benchmarks into the Guide's efficacy, and provide a foundation for a later randomized control study.~The following are some key research questions:~How did participants use the Guide? (Eg: daily; read once; 'a la carte')~How did using the Guide increase fidelity to tolerance break (starting, continuing, completing a break)?~Did using the Guide yield any benefits beyond tolerance break fidelity? (Eg: insight into patterns of use)