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Cannabis Users (cannabis + user)
Selected AbstractsIS LEVEL OF INTEREST AMONG CANNABIS USERS IN SELF-HELP MATERIALS AND OTHER SERVICES AIMED AT REDUCING PROBLEM USE?ADDICTION, Issue 4 2005JOHN CUNNINGHAM No abstract is available for this article. [source] Cannabis Withdrawal among Adolescent Cannabis Users in an Outpatient Research SettingTHE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 6 2006Michael A. Dawes MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Early Therapeutic Alliance as a Predictor of Treatment Outcome for Adolescent Cannabis Users in Outpatient TreatmentTHE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 2006Guy S. Diamond PhD The association of early alliance to treatment attendance and longitudinal outcomes were examined in 356 adolescents participating in a randomized clinical trial targeting cannabis use. Both patient and therapist views of alliance were examined, and outcomes were evaluated over 12 months after numerous other sources of variance were controlled. Patient-rated alliance predicted a reduction in cannabis use at three and six months and a reduction in substance-related problem behaviors at six months. Therapist-rated alliance did not predict outcomes. Neither patient nor therapist alliance ratings were associated with attendance. The findings support the important and often overlooked role that alliance can play in treating substance abusing, often delinquent, adolescents. [source] Cannabis Withdrawal Among Non-Treatment-Seeking Adult Cannabis Users,THE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 1 2006Marc L. Copersino PhD This study investigates the clinical significance of a cannabis withdrawal syndrome in 104 adult, non-treatment-seeking, primarily cannabis users who reported at least one serious attempt to stop using cannabis. Retrospective self-report data were obtained on eighteen potential cannabis withdrawal symptoms derived from the literature, including co-occurrence, time course, and any actions taken to relieve the symptom. Study findings provide evidence for the clinical significance of a cannabis withdrawal syndrome, based on the high prevalence and co-occurrence of multiple symptoms that follow a consistent time course and that prompt action by the subjects to obtain relief, including serving as negative reinforcement for cannabis use. [source] Does occasional cannabis use impact anxiety and depression treatment outcomes?: results from a randomized effectiveness trialDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 6 2007Jonathan B. Bricker Ph.D. Abstract This study investigated the extent to which occasional cannabis use moderated anxiety and depression outcomes in the Collaborative Care for Anxiety and Panic (CCAP) study, a combined cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy randomized effectiveness trial. Participants were 232 adults from six university-based primary care outpatient clinics in three West Coast cities randomized to receive either the CCAP intervention or the usual care condition. Results showed significant (P<.01) evidence of an interaction between treatment group (CCAP vs. usual care) and cannabis use status (monthly vs. less than monthly) for depressive symptoms, but not for panic disorder or social phobia symptoms (all P>.05). Monthly cannabis users' depressive symptoms improved in the CCAP intervention just as much as those who used cannabis less than monthly, whereas monthly users receiving usual care had significantly more depressive symptoms than those using less than monthly. A combined CBT and medication treatment intervention may be a promising approach for the treatment of depression among occasional cannabis users. Depression and Anxiety 24:392,398, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Cannabis use in adolescents: the impact of risk and protective factors and social functioningDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 6 2005DAVID BEST Abstract The study uses a school-based sample to test the social and familial risk and protective factors relating to cannabis use. Based on a self-completion survey of 2078 14,16-year-olds (mean age of 15 years) attending seven standard state-run secondary schools in south London, an assessment was made of rates and risk factors for cannabis use. Twenty-four per cent of the total sample had ever used cannabis, with 15% having done so in the month prior to assessment. In addition to greater likelihood of illicit drug use, lifetime cannabis users were less likely to spend time regularly with both their mothers and fathers, but more likely to spend free time with friends who smoked, drank alcohol and used illicit drugs, and with friends involved in criminal activities. Among those who had ever used cannabis, frequency of cannabis use was predicted (using linear regression) by two onset factors (earlier initiation of drinking and cannabis use were both linked to more frequent use) and two social factors (more time spent with drug-using friends and less time spent with the mother). Overall, the study showed that early onset, itself predicted by social networks, is linked to more frequent use of cannabis and that this appears to be sustained by less time spent with parents and more with drug-using peers. [source] Expected impacts of the Cannabis Infringement Notice scheme in Western Australia on regular users and their involvement in the cannabis marketDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 4 2005FRANCOISE CHANTELOUP Abstract The effect on the cannabis market is one area of interest in the evaluation of the new ,prohibition with civil penalties' scheme for minor cannabis offences in WA. One goal of the scheme is to reduce the proportion of cannabis consumed that is supplied by large-scale suppliers that may also supply other drugs. As part of the pre-change phase of the evaluation, 100 regular (at least weekly) cannabis users were given a qualitative and quantitative interview covering knowledge and attitudes towards cannabis law, personal cannabis use, market factors, experience with the justice system and impact of legislative change. Some 85% of those who commented identified the changes as having little impact on their cannabis use. Some 89% of the 70 who intended to cultivate cannabis once the CIN scheme was introduced suggested they would grow cannabis within the two non-hydroponic plant-limit eligible for an infringement notice under the new law. Only 15% believed an increase in self-supply would undermine the large scale suppliers of cannabis in the market and allow some cannabis users to distance themselves from its unsavoury aspects. Only 11% said they would enter, or re-enter, the cannabis market as sellers as a result of the scheme introduction. Most respondents who commented believed that the impact of the legislative changes on the cannabis market would be negligible. The extent to which this happens will be addressed in the post-change phase of this research. Part of the challenge in assessing the impact of the CIN scheme on the cannabis market is that it is distinctly heterogeneous. [source] Emerging patterns of cannabis and other substance use in Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory: a study of two communitiesDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 4 2004ALAN R. CLOUGH Abstract A recent rise in cannabis use in Indigenous communities in northern Australia may have compounded existing patterns of other substance use. This paper describes these patterns in Arnhem Land in the ,Top End' of the Northern Territory (NT). Economic impacts of the cannabis trade are also described. In a descriptive cross-sectional study, random samples included 336 people (169 males, 167 females) aged 13,36 years. Consensus classification of lifetime and current use of cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, kava, inhalants (petrol) and other drugs was derived based on health workers' proxy assessments. A sample (n = 180, aged 13,36) was recruited opportunistically for interview. Lifetime cannabis users among those interviewed (n = 131, 81 males, 50 females) described their current cannabis use, usual quantities purchased and consumed, frequency and duration of cannabis use and other substance use. In the random samples, 69% (63,75%) of males and 26% (20,31%) of females were lifetime cannabis users (OR = 7.4, 4.5,12.1, p 5 0.001). The proportion of males currently using cannabis was 67% (60,73%) while the proportion of females currently using cannabis was 22% (16,27%) (OR = 7.9, 4.8,13.1, p 5 0.001). Current cannabis users were more likely than non-users to be also using alcohol (OR = 10.4, 4.7,23.3, p 5 0.001), tobacco (OR = 19.0, 7.9,45.8, p 5 0.001) and to have sniffed petrol (OR = 9.1, 4.6,18.0, p 5 0.001) but were less likely to be using kava (OR = 0.4, 0.2 ,0.9, p 5 0.001). Among those interviewed, higher tobacco consumption in current users and greater alcohol use in lifetime users was associated with increased cannabis use. Action is required to reduce cannabis use, especially in combination with other substances. [source] Testing for cannabis in the work-place: a review of the evidenceADDICTION, Issue 3 2010Scott Macdonald ABSTRACT Background Urinalysis testing in the work-place has been adopted widely by employers in the United States to deter employee drug use and promote ,drug-free' work-places. In other countries, such as Canada, testing is focused more narrowly on identifying employees whose drug use puts the safety of others at risk. Aims We review 20 years of published literature on questions relevant to the objectives of work-place drug testing (WPDT), with a special emphasis on cannabis, the most commonly detected drug. Results We conclude (i) that the acute effects of smoking cannabis impair performance for a period of about 4 hours; (ii) long-term heavy use of cannabis can impair cognitive ability, but it is not clear that heavy cannabis users represent a meaningful job safety risk unless using before work or on the job; (iii) urine tests have poor validity and low sensitivity to detect employees who represent a safety risk; (iv) drug testing is related to reductions in the prevalence of cannabis positive tests among employees, but this might not translate into fewer cannabis users; and (v) urinalysis has not been shown to have a meaningful impact on job injury/accident rates. Conclusions Urinalysis testing is not recommended as a diagnostic tool to identify employees who represent a job safety risk from cannabis use. Blood testing for active tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be considered by employers who wish to identify employees whose performance may be impaired by their cannabis use. [source] Exposure to cannabis in popular music and cannabis use among adolescentsADDICTION, Issue 3 2010Brian A. Primack ABSTRACT Background Cannabis use is referenced frequently in American popular music, yet it remains uncertain whether exposure to these references is associated with actual cannabis use. We aimed to determine if exposure to cannabis in popular music is associated independently with current cannabis use in a cohort of urban adolescents. Methods We surveyed all 9th grade students at three large US urban high schools. We estimated participants' exposure to lyrics referent to cannabis with overall music exposure and content analyses of their favorite artists' songs. Outcomes included current (past 30 days) and ever use of cannabis. We used multivariable regression to assess independent associations between exposures and outcomes while controlling for important covariates. Results Each of the 959 participants was exposed to an estimated 27 cannabis references per day [correction added on 19 January 2010, after first online publication: 40 has been changed to 27] (standard deviation = 73 [correction added on 19 January 2010, after first online publication: 104 has been changed to 73]). Twelve per cent (n = 108) were current cannabis users and 32% (n = 286) had ever used cannabis. Compared with those in the lowest tertile of total cannabis exposure in music, those in the highest tertile of exposure were almost twice as likely to have used cannabis in the past 30 days (odds ratio = 1.83; 95% confidence interval = 1.04, 3.22), even after adjusting for socio-demographic variables, personality characteristics and parenting style. As expected, however, there was no significant relationship between our cannabis exposure variable and a sham outcome variable of alcohol use. Conclusions This study supports an independent association between exposure to cannabis in popular music and early cannabis use among urban American adolescents. [source] Do ,9 -tetrahydrocannabinol concentrations indicate recent use in chronic cannabis users?ADDICTION, Issue 12 2009Erin L. Karschner ABSTRACT Aims To quantify blood ,9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations in chronic cannabis users over 7 days of continuous monitored abstinence. Participants Twenty-five frequent, long-term cannabis users resided on a secure clinical research unit at the US National Institute on Drug Abuse under continuous medical surveillance to prevent cannabis self-administration. Measurements Whole blood cannabinoid concentrations were determined by two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Findings Nine chronic users (36%) had no measurable THC during 7 days of cannabis abstinence; 16 had at least one positive THC ,0.25 ng/ml, but not necessarily on the first day. On day 7, 6 full days after entering the unit, six participants still displayed detectable THC concentrations [mean ± standard deviation (SD), 0.3 ± 0.7 ng/ml] and all 25 had measurable carboxy-metabolite (6.2 ± 8.8 ng/ml). The highest observed THC concentrations on admission (day 1) and day 7 were 7.0 and 3.0 ng/ml, respectively. Interestingly, five participants, all female, had THC-positive whole blood specimens over all 7 days. Body mass index did not correlate with time until the last THC-positive specimen (n = 16; r = ,0.2; P = 0.445). Conclusions Substantial whole blood THC concentrations persist multiple days after drug discontinuation in heavy chronic cannabis users. It is currently unknown whether neurocognitive impairment occurs with low blood THC concentrations, and whether return to normal performance, as documented previously following extended cannabis abstinence, is accompanied by the removal of residual THC in brain. These findings also may impact on the implementation of per se limits in driving under the influence of drugs legislation. [source] If cannabis caused schizophrenia,how many cannabis users may need to be prevented in order to prevent one case of schizophrenia?ADDICTION, Issue 11 2009England, Wales calculations ABSTRACT Background We consider how many cannabis users may need to be prevented in order to prevent one case of schizophrenia or psychosis [defined as number needed to prevent (NNP)]. Method Calculation for England and Wales using best available estimates of: incidence of schizophrenia; rates of heavy and light cannabis use; and risk that cannabis causes schizophrenia. Results In men the annual mean NNP for heavy cannabis and schizophrenia ranged from 2800 [90% confidence interval (CI) 2018,4530] in those aged 20,24 years to 4700 (90% CI 3114,8416) in those aged 35,39. In women, mean NNP for heavy cannabis use and schizophrenia ranged from 5470 (90% CI 3640,9839) in those aged 25,29 to 10 870 (90% CI 6786,22 732) in 35,39-year-olds. Equivalent mean NNP for heavy cannabis use and psychosis were lower, from 1360 (90% CI 1007,2124) in men aged 20,24 and 2480 (90% CI 1408,3518) in women aged 16,19. The mean and median number of light cannabis users that would need to be prevented in order to prevent one case of schizophrenia or psychosis per year are four to five times greater than among heavy users. Conclusions The number of young people who need to be exposed to an intervention to generate NNP and prevent one case of schizophrenia will be even larger. The public health importance of preventing cannabis to reduce schizophrenia or psychosis remains uncertain. More attention should be given to testing the hypothesis that cannabis is related causally to psychotic outcomes, and to considering what strategies will be the most effective in reducing heavy cannabis use among young people. [source] Are adolescents who moderate their cannabis use at lower risk of later regular and dependent cannabis use?ADDICTION, Issue 5 2009Wendy Swift ABSTRACT Aims To examine whether moderation of cannabis use among adolescent cannabis users is associated with reductions in cannabis use frequency and risk of dependence in young adulthood. Design Ten-year representative cohort study with six surveys in adolescence (mean age 14.9,17.4 years) and two in young adulthood (mean age 20.7 and 24.1 years). Participants Inception cohort of 1943 Victorian secondary school students (96% response rate), with 1520 (78% of adolescent participants) interviewed in the final wave. Measurements Participants were classified into six groups according to the maximum level of adolescent use and the extent of subsequent moderation in such use: non-users, occasional to abstinence, occasional persisting, weekly to abstinence, weekly to occasional and weekly persisting. Outcome measures were weekly+ cannabis use and DSM-IV cannabis dependence at 20 and 24 years. Findings Thirty-one per cent reported cannabis use during adolescence. Most adolescent users had moderated their use: from occasional to abstinence (71% of occasional users), weekly to abstinence or weekly to occasional (28% and 48% of weekly+ users, respectively). By age 24, both occasional use groups were at similar, elevated risk of regular and dependent cannabis use compared to non-users. Weekly+ adolescent users were at greatest risk of these outcomes, although the weekly to abstinence group exhibited lower risk than those in the weekly persisting and weekly to occasional groups, who were at similar risk. Conclusions While many young people have dynamic cannabis use patterns, a pattern of moderating adolescent cannabis use was associated with less risk of later problematic use than among those persisting, but risks were still elevated substantially compared with never-users. [source] Early cannabis use and DSM-IV nicotine dependence: a twin studyADDICTION, Issue 11 2008Arpana Agrawal ABSTRACT Background Evidence suggests that cannabis users are at increased risk for cigarette smoking,if so, this may potentially be the single most alarming public health challenge posed by cannabis use. We examine whether cannabis use prior to age 17 years is associated with an increased likelihood of DSM-IV nicotine dependence and the extent to which genetic and environmental factors contribute to this association. Methods A population-based cohort of 24,36-year-old Australian male and female twins (n = 6257, 286 and 229 discordant pairs) was used. The co-twin,control method, with twin pairs discordant for early cannabis use, was used to examine whether, after controlling for genetic and familial environmental background, there was evidence for an additional influence of early cannabis use on DSM-IV nicotine dependence. Bivariate genetic models were fitted to the full data set to quantify the genetic correlation between early cannabis use and nicotine dependence. Results The early cannabis-using twin was about twice as likely to report nicotine dependence, when compared to their co-twin who had experimented with cigarettes but had never used cannabis. Even when analyses were restricted to cannabis users, earlier age cannabis use onset conferred greater risk (1.7) for nicotine dependence than did later onset. This association was governed largely by common genetic liability to early cannabis use and nicotine dependence, as demonstrated by genetic correlations of 0.41,0.52. Conclusions Early-onset cannabis users are at increased risk for nicotine dependence, but this risk is attributable largely to common genetic vulnerability. There is no evidence for a causal relationship between cannabis use and nicotine dependence. [source] Cannabis and schizophrenia: model projections of the impact of the rise in cannabis use on historical and future trends in schizophrenia in England and WalesADDICTION, Issue 4 2007Matthew Hickman ABSTRACT Aims To estimate long-term trends in cannabis use and projections of schizophrenia assuming a causal relation between cannabis use and schizophrenia. Methods Trends in cannabis use were estimated from a national survey, 2003; and incidence of schizophrenia was derived from surveys in three English cities, 1997,99. A difference equation cohort model was fitted against estimates of schizophrenia incidence, trends in cannabis exposure and assumptions on association between cannabis and schizophrenia. The model projects trends in schizophrenia incidence, prevalence and attributable fraction of cannabis induced schizophrenia. Results Between 1970 and 2002 cannabis exposure increased: incidence by fourfold; period prevalence by 10-fold; and use among under 18-year-olds by 18-fold. In 1997,99 incidence and prevalence of schizophrenia were 17 per 100 000 and 0.63% among men and 7.3 per 100 000 and 0.23% among women, respectively. If cannabis use causes schizophrenia, earlier increases in cannabis use would lead to increases in overall schizophrenia incidence and prevalence of 29% and 12% among men between 1990 and 2010. By 2010 model projections which assume an association between schizophrenia and light and heavy users suggest that approximately one-quarter of new schizophrenia cases could be due to cannabis, whereas if the association is twofold and confined to heavy cannabis users, then approximately 10% of schizophrenia cases may be due to cannabis. Conclusions If cannabis use causes schizophrenia, and assuming other causes are unchanged, then relatively substantial increases in both prevalence and incidence of schizophrenia should be apparent by 2010. More accurate data on cannabis consumption and future monitoring of schizophrenia are critical. [source] Hypothalamic,pituitary,adrenal axis activity and early onset of cannabis useADDICTION, Issue 11 2006Anja C. Huizink ABSTRACT Aims To identify early onset cannabis users by measuring basal hypothalamic,pituitary,adrenal (HPA) axis activity, which may be a risk factor for early onset substance use when showing low activity. Design In a prospective cohort study, adolescents who initiated cannabis use at an early age (9,12 years), those who initiated at a later age (13,14 years) and those who did not use cannabis by the age of 14 were compared with respect to HPA axis activity. Setting and participants Data were used from the first and second assessment wave of the TRacking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS), that included 1768 Dutch young adolescents aged 10,12 years who were followed-up across a period of 2 years. Measurements Cortisol was measured in saliva samples at awakening, 30 minutes later and at 8 p.m. at age 10,12. Self-reported age at first cannabis use was used. Findings The early onset group had lower cortisol levels 30 minutes after awakening than the late onset group (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.86,0.99). Furthermore, compared to non-users, the early and late onset cannabis users had higher levels of cortisol at 8 p.m. (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.03,1.53 and OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01,1.45, respectively). Conclusions Some evidence was found for HPA axis hypo-activity at awakening in adolescents with early onset of cannabis use compared to late onset users, which might indicate an increased risk for early onset users of seeking stimulation to restore arousal levels by using substances. [source] Economic and cultural correlates of cannabis use among mid-adolescents in 31 countriesADDICTION, Issue 2 2006Tom Ter Bogt ABSTRACT Aims To examine cannabis use among mid-adolescents in 31 countries and associations with per-capita personal consumer expenditure (PCE), unemployment, peer factors and national rates of cannabis use in 1999. Design, participants and measurement Nationally representative, self-report, classroom survey with 22 223 male and 24 900 female 15-year-olds. Country characteristics were derived from publicly available economic databases and previously conducted cross-national surveys on substance use. Findings Cannabis use appears to be normative among mid-adolescents in North America and several countries in Europe. The life-time prevalence of cannabis use was 26% among males and 15% among females and was lowest for males and females in the former Yugoslav Republic (TFYR) of Macedonia: 2.5% and to 2.5%, respectively; and highest for males in Switzerland (49.1%) and in Greenland for females (47.0%). The highest prevalence of frequent cannabis use (more than 40 times in life-time) was seen in Canada for males (14.2%) and in the United States for females (5.5%). Overall, life-time prevalence and frequent use are associated with PCE, perceived availability of cannabis (peer culture) and the presence of communities of older cannabis users (drug climate). Conclusions As PCE increases, cannabis use may be expected to increase and gender differences decease. Cross-national comparable policy measures should be developed and evaluated to examine which harm reduction strategies are most effective. [source] Associations between tobacco and cannabis use in remote indigenous populations in Northern AustraliaADDICTION, Issue 3 2005Alan R. Clough ABSTRACT Aims To assess whether cannabis use, recently taken up by many indigenous Australians in remote communities, has reinforced tobacco use. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Three eastern Arnhem Land communities (Northern Territory, NT); total population = 3384, in 2001. Participants From 1247 people aged 17,36 years, 190 (120 males, 70 females) were opportunistically recruited. Measurements Self-reported life-time and current tobacco, cannabis and other substance use were confirmed by local health workers and using clinic records. Participants reported level of substance use, frequency and duration (years used). Associations with tobacco use were calculated (odds ratios: OR) using logistic regression with age, sex, alcohol use and a history of petrol sniffing as confounders. Findings In univariate analyses current tobacco users were more likely than non-users to be using cannabis (OR = 3.1, 1.5,6.2, P = 0.002) and this association remained in multivariate analyses (OR = 3.0, 1.4,6.8, P = 0.006). Tobacco use was associated with the number of years of cannabis use (P = 0.035). The likelihood that tobacco users were also cannabis users increased as quantity of cannabis used increased (P = 0.008). Current tobacco use was no more likely in those who initiated cannabis from 1998 onwards than in those who initiated cannabis before 1998 (OR = 1.1, 0.4,3.2, P = 0.881). One-third of life-time users of both tobacco and cannabis initiated their use at or near the same time, and very few of these (12%) had discontinued either cannabis or tobacco. Conclusions Cannabis appears to have influenced the continued use of tobacco in these populations with possible additional burdens for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and challenges for interventions. [source] GENETIC STUDY: 5-HTTLPR polymorphism, mood disorders and MDMA use in a 3-year follow-up studyADDICTION BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Rocío Martín-Santos ABSTRACT A 3-year longitudinal prospective study was conducted to compare the incidence of substance use disorders (SUD) and non-substance use disorders (NSUD) among ecstasy users and two control groups: one of cannabis users and the other of non-drug users. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism related to NSUD was also studied. A total of 94 subjects were included: 37 ecstasy users, 23 cannabis users and 34 non-drug users. SUD and NSUD disorders were diagnosed according to the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders criteria using the Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders. Incidence Rates (IR) are presented. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism was analyzed. Hardy,Weinberg equilibrium was studied. The results of the study showed that the highest IR of SUD was cannabis abuse/dependence in both the ecstasy (IR: 48.6/100 person,year) and cannabis (IR: 2.5/100 person,year) groups. There were no new cases of SUD in non-drug users at follow-up. The highest IR of NSUD was primary mood disorder in both the ecstasy (IR: 4.2/100 person,year) and in the non-drug (IR: 1.3/100 person,year) groups (P < 0.282). There were no new cases of NSUD in the cannabis group at follow-up. 5-HTTLPR polymorphism was associated with lifetime of primary mood disorders in ecstasy group (P = 0.018). Ecstasy use was associated with a higher rate of cannabis abuse/dependence disorders and mood disorders than cannabis use. In the ecstasy users, 5-HTTLPR polymorphism may result in a high vulnerability to primary mood disorders. [source] Revising the Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test (CUDIT) by means of Item Response TheoryINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF METHODS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH, Issue 3 2010Beatrice Annaheim Abstract Cannabis use among adolescents and young adults has become a major public health challenge. Several European countries are currently developing short screening instruments to identify ,problematic' forms of cannabis use in general population surveys. One such instrument is the Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test (CUDIT), a 10-item questionnaire based on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Previous research found that some CUDIT items did not perform well psychometrically. In the interests of improving the psychometric properties of the CUDIT, this study replaces the poorly performing items with new items that specifically address cannabis use. Analyses are based on a sub-sample of 558 recent cannabis users from a representative population sample of 5722 individuals (aged 13,32) who were surveyed in the 2007 Swiss Cannabis Monitoring Study. Four new items were added to the original CUDIT. Psychometric properties of all 14 items, as well as the dimensionality of the supplemented CUDIT were then examined using Item Response Theory. Results indicate the unidimensionality of CUDIT and an improvement in its psychometric performance when three original items (usual hours being stoned; injuries; guilt) are replaced by new ones (motives for using cannabis; missing out leisure time activities; difficulties at work/school). However, improvements were limited to cannabis users with a high problem score. For epidemiological purposes, any further revision of CUDIT should therefore include a greater number of ,easier' items. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Predictors of Cardiovascular Response to Methamphetamine Administration in Methamphetamine-Dependent IndividualsTHE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 2 2008Gilles Fleury MD The goal of the present investigation was to determine predictors of cardiovascular response to methamphetamine administrated in the laboratory. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured at baseline and at several time points following the administration of methamphetamine or saline placebo. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the differences between female and male subjects in their cardiovascular response. In male subjects, linear regression and one-way ANOVA were used to determine the influence of potential predictors on cardiovascular response, including age, weight, drug use indicators, concurrent use of other substances, route of administration, and race. Methamphetamine administration provoked significant increases in HR and BP, as compared to placebo. Female gender was associated with larger peak change in diastolic BP following administration. Baseline HR and BP were found to be strong predictors of cardiovascular response to methamphetamine administration in male subjects. Lifetime use and recent use of methamphetamine and nicotine did not predict cardiovascular response to methamphetamine. Recent alcohol use was associated with increased peak change in diastolic BP. Also, current use of cannabis was negatively correlated with peak HR change. Male cannabis users show lower peak change in HR as compared to non-cannabis users. As compared to methamphetamine smokers, intravenous users demonstrated higher peak change in diastolic BP following drug administration. Race did not have a significant effect on cardiovascular response. Taken together, these findings may help in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular events in a population at high risk of premature morbidity and mortality. [source] Cannabis Withdrawal Among Non-Treatment-Seeking Adult Cannabis Users,THE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 1 2006Marc L. Copersino PhD This study investigates the clinical significance of a cannabis withdrawal syndrome in 104 adult, non-treatment-seeking, primarily cannabis users who reported at least one serious attempt to stop using cannabis. Retrospective self-report data were obtained on eighteen potential cannabis withdrawal symptoms derived from the literature, including co-occurrence, time course, and any actions taken to relieve the symptom. Study findings provide evidence for the clinical significance of a cannabis withdrawal syndrome, based on the high prevalence and co-occurrence of multiple symptoms that follow a consistent time course and that prompt action by the subjects to obtain relief, including serving as negative reinforcement for cannabis use. [source] Economic Relationship Between Alcohol and Cannabis RevisitedTHE ECONOMIC RECORD, Issue 248 2004Jenny Williams Consuming cannabis in combination with alcohol is common among Australian cannabis users. This paper investigates whether the economic relationship between cannabis and alcohol is affected by the manner in which these two substances are used. Our results indicate that cannabis and alcohol are economic complements for all cannabis users, but this relationship is stronger for cannabis users who tend to use alcohol and cannabis together, whom we refer to as polysubstance users. Separate analysis by gender suggests that cannabis consumption by polysubstance and non-polysubstance using males is more responsive to changes in the full price of alcohol than their female counterparts. [source] | ||||||||||