How does CANreduce help reduce cannabis use?

CANreduce is an online course from Switzerland designed to support people in reducing their cannabis use. According to the provider, the whole course is anonymous and free of charge and lasts 6 weeks. It consists of a use diary and 8 modules. This article summarises the provider's information and helps you assess whether such an offer suits you.

How the course is structured

According to the provider, CANreduce consists of a use diary and 8 modules. The first 4 modules must be worked through in the set order, because they convey foundations that build on each other. The remaining 4 modules are then freely available. According to the provider, they offer more in-depth work and are meant to help you reach your own use goal. The course is also meant to help with difficult situations such as cravings and risky situations.

The advantage of an online format is flexibility: you can work from home without travelling. At the same time, personal contact is missing, and you need to compensate for that deliberately.

Who developed the course and how it handles data

According to the provider, CANreduce was developed by the Arud Zentren für Suchtmedizin and the Schweizerisches Institut für Sucht- und Gesundheitsforschung (ISGF), which is affiliated with the Universität Zürich. According to the provider, the whole course is anonymous, no personal details are required apart from an email address, and it is free of charge. The data is held on servers in Switzerland, and access is password-protected and SSL-encrypted. Read the privacy notice before you register.

Who a reduction programme suits

According to the homepage, the course is aimed at people who use cannabis regularly, want to cut down or stop altogether, and find this difficult.

A programme like this is less suitable if you are in an acute crisis or have severe physical or psychological complaints. In that case you need a personal assessment by a doctor. The difference between cutting down and stopping completely is explained in the article Cutting down or quitting completely: what is better for me?

How to work with the programme

Schedule fixed times for the modules. Set yourself a fixed routine and note your progress. The use diary helps you record your observations.

Be honest with yourself. The programme can only help as much as the information you give is accurate. If you leave something out when documenting, you lose track. At the same time, you do not have to be perfect. Setbacks are also part of the process and provide information for the next step.

Limits of the online offer

An online programme has limits. It cannot make a diagnosis or replace therapy. If you notice that you cannot cut down your use despite good intentions, or if withdrawal symptoms burden you, a personal conversation makes sense. Relatives can also help with the decision.

The article When is online counselling not enough and on-site help is needed? describes how you can tell that an online offer no longer suffices.

How to judge the programme fairly

An online programme should be transparent. Check who runs it, which specialists are involved and how the content was produced. A reputable site names contact persons and shows which foundations the modules build on.

Be wary of promises that sound too good. A programme can help reduce use, but it does not guarantee success. Anyone who promises a cure or quick results raises expectations that can rarely be met.

Combining with other support

An online programme can be combined with on-site counselling. The specialist can help you go deeper into the programme's content in conversation. If the programme brings no progress after a few weeks, that is a sign to adjust the strategy. Then speak to a counselling service about alternatives. Ideas for home are offered in the article Which rules help when dealing with cannabis at home?

If the programme does not suit your situation, that says nothing about you. A conversation with a specialist helps you find another form of support.

What you can do now

Look at the provider's website and check which modules there are and who offers the programme. Read the privacy notice before you register. Set yourself a first, small goal and note your use for one week. If you are unsure or need more support, speak to a counselling service or your GP.