RISK ASSOCIATED WITH MARIJUANA AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MINDFULNESS BASED COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF ADDICTION AMONG YOUTHS IN SELECTED REHABILITATION CENTRES IN KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of the Study: This study examined the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MB-CBT) in managing marijuana addiction among youths aged 18–35 years. This research was guided by the following objectives; To establish the risk factors associated with marijuana addiction among the youth in selected rehabilitation centres in Kenya; To evaluate the effectiveness of MBCBT in managing marijuana addiction among the youth in selected rehabilitation centres in Kenya.
Methodology: The study, grounded in pragmatism and informed by cognitive-behavioural and mindfulness theories, used a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design at Karuri Level 4 Hospital. Experimental (MB-CBT plus treatment-as-usual) and control (treatment-as-usual only) groups were drawn from the same institution to enhance validity. A purposive sample of 60 participants was assessed using the Marijuana Craving Questionnaire (MCQ), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Emotion Regulation Scale (ERS), and a sociodemographic tool. Analyses included descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha, paired-samples t-tests, ANCOVA, and effect size estimation.
Findings: Results revealed significant pre–post improvements in the experimental group, including reductions in craving and emotional reactivity and increases in mindfulness (p < .01), while the control group showed no significant changes. ANCOVA confirmed significant group differences at post-test after controlling for baseline scores (p < .01), with large effect sizes observed across outcomes.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that MB-CBT significantly improves craving reduction, mindfulness, and emotional regulation beyond standard treatment alone. The study provided empirical support for integrating MB-CBT into rehabilitation programs in Kenya and contributes context-specific evidence to youth-centred psychosocial intervention strategies.
Recommendation: These results suggest that structured mindfulness-based interventions can enhance existing rehabilitation approaches and strengthen relapse prevention outcomes.
Keywords: Risk, Marijuana, Effectiveness, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural, Therapy
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