New App Aims to Reduce Risks of Cannabis Use in Young Adults with First-Episode Psychosis
A new mobile app called CHAMPS is being tested in Canada to help young adults with first-episode psychosis manage and reduce risks associated with cannabis use, promoting harm reduction and personalized support.
Researchers at the Université de Montréal's Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM) are developing a groundbreaking mobile application designed to assist young adults experiencing their first episode of psychosis in managing their cannabis consumption more safely. This innovative project is part of Canada's first nationwide clinical trial, led by Professor Didier Jutras-Aswad, specializing in psychiatry and addiction. The app, named CHAMPS (Cannabis Harm-reducing App to Manage Practices Safely), includes interactive modules and personalized support strategies, all developed collaboratively with young adults, clinicians, and experts. The initial pilot study involved 101 participants aged 18 to 35 who were monitored across six early-intervention clinics in Quebec and Nova Scotia. The main goal is to offer an alternative approach to traditional abstinence-focused care, which may be less effective for this demographic, many of whom are not ready to cease cannabis use entirely. Early results suggest that users find the app acceptable, and there are promising signals of reduced cannabis-related issues. The funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) will enable further research across broader clinical settings. Additionally, CHAMPS is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing mental health care workflows without adding to clinicians' workloads, exemplifying a shift towards more personalized, harm-reduction strategies. The team aims to expand the study to include up to 250 participants over three years, spanning Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Alberta. The approach underscores the importance of destigmatizing cannabis use and tailoring interventions to meet the specific needs of young adults, potentially transforming mental health care practices. Furthermore, the app’s design is relevant not only in regions where cannabis remains illegal but also as part of a broader movement to humanize and destigmatize cannabis use in mental health contexts. The research team emphasizes that even when complete cessation is not desired, reducing health risks associated with cannabis is a valuable goal, reflecting a nuanced approach to substance use and mental health.
(Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-cannabis-focus-app.html)
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Celebrities Turn to Propranolol, a Common Heart Medication, to Ease Anxiety: Should You Consider It?
Propranolol, a popular heart medication, is increasingly used by celebrities to manage anxiety. Discover how it works and the risks involved in off-label use for anxiety relief.
Understanding How Identity Distress Affects Mental Health in Autism
New research highlights the significant role of identity distress in the mental health challenges faced by autistic individuals, offering new avenues for targeted support and interventions.
Impact of Weight Stigma on Mental Health Post-Weight Loss Surgery: New Research Findings
New research reveals that weight stigma, rather than BMI, significantly influences mental health and recovery after weight-loss surgery, highlighting the importance of addressing social bias to improve outcomes.
Young People at Increased Risk of Anxiety and Depression Due to Loneliness and Low Resilience
Research shows that loneliness combined with low resilience in adolescents significantly increases the risk of developing anxiety and depression later in life. Early screening and social skill programs are vital for prevention.