iCanChange (iCC) is an application for young people who have had a psychotic
episode, use cannabis and would like to reduce the negative consequences of
their use by stopping or reducing their consumption.
iCC prepares the person to make changes in their consumption by reinforcing
the importance of the change (reflections on the consequences of consumption
and the possible benefits of that change) and by identifying their strengths. After defining a consumption goal, the application supports the person towards
reaching their goal by offering them strategies on different themes according to
their current needs (withdrawal, triggers, links between psychosis and cannabis,
stress, etc.).
iCC allows to:
- Reinforce motivation to change cannabis use
- Decide whether the person wants to reduce or stop using
- Choose strategies that will help to make a change
- Manage cravings and withdrawals
The app also features articles and videos, including how to resist craving, link
between cannabis and psychosis and testimonials from young people.
iCC is based on clinical evidence such as cognitive-behavioural therapy,
motivational interviewing, and harms reduction.
The application is an e-intervention developed by the Research team of
Psychiatrist Dr. Didier Jutras-Aswad from the Research Center of the "Centre
hospitalier de lUniversité de Montréal", in close collaboration with patient
partners.