BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES: Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance, yet among the least studied in medication development research. Cocaine-dependent individuals frequently also use marijuana; however, little is known about the effect of this combined use on treatment presentation. METHODS: Marijuana use was assessed in 1183 individuals seeking outpatient treatment for cocaine dependence. Based on past 30 days of use, the sample was divided into three groups: (1) patients reporting no recent marijuana use (n = 634); (2) occasional use (n = 403); (3) and frequent concurrent marijuana use (n = 146). Differences on baseline measures of substance use, addiction severity (ASI), psychopathology, and sociodemographic characteristics were examined as a function of level of marijuana use. RESULTS: Frequent marijuana users were more likely to be female, Caucasian, and younger than other groups. Cocaine-dependent patients with frequent marijuana use also used more cocaine and alcohol, and reported more medical, legal, and psychiatric problems, including antisocial personality disorder. CONCLUSION AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Cocaine-dependent patients with frequent marijuana use present for treatment with more severe impairment. Accounting for this heterogeneity among participants may improve treatment outcome.
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES:Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance, yet among the least studied in medication development research. Cocaine-dependent individuals frequently also use marijuana; however, little is known about the effect of this combined use on treatment presentation. METHODS:Marijuana use was assessed in 1183 individuals seeking outpatient treatment for cocaine dependence. Based on past 30 days of use, the sample was divided into three groups: (1) patients reporting no recent marijuana use (n = 634); (2) occasional use (n = 403); (3) and frequent concurrent marijuana use (n = 146). Differences on baseline measures of substance use, addiction severity (ASI), psychopathology, and sociodemographic characteristics were examined as a function of level of marijuana use. RESULTS: Frequent marijuana users were more likely to be female, Caucasian, and younger than other groups. Cocaine-dependent patients with frequent marijuana use also used more cocaine and alcohol, and reported more medical, legal, and psychiatric problems, including antisocial personality disorder. CONCLUSION AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Cocaine-dependent patients with frequent marijuana use present for treatment with more severe impairment. Accounting for this heterogeneity among participants may improve treatment outcome.
Authors: Leanne Tamm; Bryon Adinoff; Paul A Nakonezny; Theresa Winhusen; Paula Riggs Journal: Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse Date: 2011-08-11 Impact factor: 3.829
Authors: Divya Ramesh; Lori A Keyser-Marcus; Liangsuo Ma; Joy M Schmitz; Scott D Lane; Jennifer H Marwitz; Jeffrey S Kreutzer; Frederick Gerard Moeller Journal: Am J Addict Date: 2015-02-06
Authors: Melanie A Blair; Jennifer L Stewart; April C May; Martina Reske; Susan F Tapert; Martin P Paulus Journal: Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging Date: 2018-03-21