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Ferron JC, Brunette MF, Aschbrenner KA, ElSayed MW, Pratt SI. Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drug Use Among Young Adults with Serious Mental Illness. Community Ment Health J 2024; 60:945-954. [PMID: 38427276 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-024-01246-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
To inform early intervention, this study describes correlates of substance use among young people with serious mental illness (SMI) enrolled in integrated care in community mental health settings. 227 adults ages 18-35 were assessed for clinical characteristics and substance use. Logistic regressions were used to describe relationships between substance use and participant characteristics. Over a third (38.9%) reported daily cannabis, 15.9% past month other illicit drug, 13.5% frequent/heavy alcohol and 47.4% any of these; 50.2% reported daily tobacco smoking and 23.3% current vaping. Daily cannabis and tobacco were the most common combination. Alcohol, drug, and cannabis with tobacco were associated with higher mental health symptoms but not with emergency room or hospital utilization. Cannabis and other substance use was common and associated with higher symptoms but not with greater hospital utilization, suggesting that early intervention could prevent long-term negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelle C Ferron
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 70 Commercial Street, Suite 203, Concord, NH, 03301, USA.
- The Dartmouth Institute, Dartmouth College, Hanover, USA.
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Health System, Lebanon, USA.
| | - Mary F Brunette
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 70 Commercial Street, Suite 203, Concord, NH, 03301, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Concord, USA
- The Dartmouth Institute, Dartmouth College, Hanover, USA
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Health System, Lebanon, USA
| | - Kelly A Aschbrenner
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 70 Commercial Street, Suite 203, Concord, NH, 03301, USA
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Health System, Lebanon, USA
| | - Mohamed W ElSayed
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 70 Commercial Street, Suite 203, Concord, NH, 03301, USA
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Health System, Lebanon, USA
- New Hampshire Hospital, Concord, USA
| | - Sarah I Pratt
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 70 Commercial Street, Suite 203, Concord, NH, 03301, USA
- The Dartmouth Institute, Dartmouth College, Hanover, USA
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Health System, Lebanon, USA
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Rubin-Kahana DS, Butler K, Hassan AN, Sanches M, Le Foll B. Cannabis Use Characteristics Associated with Self-Reported Cognitive Function in a Nationally Representative U.S. sample. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:1303-1312. [PMID: 38664196 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2340975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With increases in cannabis use and potency, there is a need to improve our understanding of the impact of use on cognitive function. Previous research indicates long-term cannabis use may have a negative effect on executive function. Few studies have examined persistence of it in protracted abstinence, and there is limited evidence of predictors of worse cognitive function in current and former users. In this study, we aim to evaluate the associations between cannabis use status (current, former, and never use) and self-report cognition. Further, we investigate if cannabis use characteristics predict self-report cognitive function. METHODS Cross-sectional cannabis use data from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (NESARC-III), a national survey (N = 36,309) conducted in the USA between 2012 and 2013 were used alongside the Executive Function Index scales. The data were analyzed by using Ordinary Least Squares regression. RESULTS Current (N = 3,681, Female = 37.7%) and former users (N = 7,448, Female = 45.4%) reported poorer cognition than never users (N = 24,956, Female = 56.6%). Self-reported cognition of former users was in-between that of current and never users. Several cannabis use characteristics were associated with self-reported cognition in current and former users. CONCLUSION While prospective studies are required to confirm, findings suggest cannabis use is linked to worse cognition. There may be some limited recovery of cognition in former users and some cannabis use characteristics predict impairment. These findings add to our understanding of the cognitive impact of cannabis use. As worse cognitive function may impact relapse, findings have implications for personalization of cannabis use disorder treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafna Sara Rubin-Kahana
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Butler
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Psychology, College of Health and Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Ahmed Nabeel Hassan
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Psychiatry, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marcos Sanches
- Biostatistics Core, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Departments of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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3
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Mojtabai R. Estimating the Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders in the US Using the Benchmark Multiplier Method. JAMA Psychiatry 2022; 79:1074-1080. [PMID: 36129721 PMCID: PMC9494265 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.2756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Prevalence estimates of substance use disorders in the US rely on general population surveys. However, major population groups, such as homeless individuals and institutionalized individuals, are not captured by these surveys, and participants may underreport substance use. Objective To estimate the prevalence of substance use disorders in the US. Design, Setting, and Participants The benchmark multiplier method was used to estimate the prevalence of alcohol, cannabis, opioid, and stimulant use disorders based on data from the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System (T-MSIS) (the benchmark) and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (the multiplier) for 2018 and 2019. T-MSIS collects administrative data on Medicaid beneficiaries 12 years and older with full or comprehensive benefits. NSDUH is a nationally representative annual cross-sectional survey of people 12 years and older. Data were analyzed from February to June 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures Prevalence of substance use disorders was estimated using the benchmark multiplier method based on T-MSIS and NSDUH data. Confidence intervals for the multiplier method estimates were computed using Monte Carlo simulations. Sensitivity of prevalence estimates to variations in multiplier values was assessed. Results This study included Medicaid beneficiaries 12 years and older accessing treatment services in the past year with diagnoses of alcohol (n = 1 017 308 in 2018; n = 1 041 357 in 2019), cannabis (n = 643 737; n = 644 780), opioid (n = 1 406 455; n = 1 575 219), and stimulant (n = 610 858; n = 657 305) use disorders and NSDUH participants with 12-month DSM-IV alcohol (n = 3390 in 2018; n = 3363 in 2019), cannabis (n = 1426; n = 1604), opioid (n = 448; n = 369), and stimulant (n = 545; n = 559) use disorders. The benchmark multiplier prevalence estimates were higher than NSDUH estimates for every type of substance use disorder in both years and in the combined 2018 to 2019 sample: 20.27% (95% CI, 17.04-24.71) vs 5.34% (95% CI, 5.10-5.58), respectively, for alcohol; 7.57% (95% CI, 5.96-9.93) vs 1.68% (95% CI, 1.59-1.79) for cannabis; 3.46% (95% CI, 2.97-4.12) vs 0.68% (0.60-0.78) for opioid; and 1.91% (95% CI, 1.63-2.30) vs 0.85% (95% CI, 0.75-0.96) for stimulant use disorders. In sensitivity analyses, the differences between the benchmark multiplier method and NSDUH estimates persisted over a wide range of potential multiplier values. Conclusions and Relevance The findings in this study reflect a higher national prevalence of substance use disorders than that represented by NSDUH estimates, suggesting a greater burden of these conditions in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Mojtabai
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Hasin D, Walsh C. Trends over time in adult cannabis use: A review of recent findings. Curr Opin Psychol 2021; 38:80-85. [PMID: 33873044 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, policies regarding the medical and nonmedical use of cannabis are changing rapidly. In 2021, a total of 34 US states have legalized cannabis for adult medical use, and 15 of these states have legalized adult non-medical use. These changing policies have raised questions about increasing prevalences of cannabis use, changing perceptions regarding frequent use, and potentially related outcomes such as comorbid psychiatric illness or driving under the influence of cannabis. Research regarding the correlates of any and frequent cannabis use is also developing quickly. This article reviews recent empirical studies concerning (1) adult trends in cannabis use, (2) state cannabis laws and related outcomes, and (3) emerging evidence regarding how the global coronavirus 19 pandemic may impact cannabis use patterns. We summarize recent findings and conclude with suggestions to address unanticipated effects of rapidly changing cannabis laws and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Hasin
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Claire Walsh
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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Macatee RJ, Carr M, Afshar K, Preston TJ. Development and validation of a cannabis cue stimulus set. Addict Behav 2021; 112:106643. [PMID: 32977269 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Regular cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) have become increasingly prevalent in the United States over the past two decades. Theory and empirical data suggest that the incentive salience of cannabis cues is important to the development and chronicity of CUD. Cannabis cue incentive salience is often assessed with a cannabis cue reactivity paradigm wherein cannabis-related and neutral images are presented. However, prior cannabis cue reactivity studies have been limited by the use of heterogeneous stimuli that were not properly characterized across motivational/affective characteristics, physical image attributes, or non-cannabis-related salient image features (e.g., human presence, face visibility). In order to increase standardization and flexibility of future cannabis cue reactivity tasks, the aim of the present study was to develop and validate a cannabis cue and matched neutral image database comprised of motivational/affective ratings as well as physical image attributes. 234 regular cannabis users varying in primary use method (i.e., bowl, blunt/joint, bong, vaporizer) made motivational (i.e., urge to smoke cannabis) and affective (i.e., arousal, valence) ratings of cannabis-related and neutral images matched on salient, non-cannabis-related features. Physical features (hue, saturation, value) of each image were also analyzed. Motivational/affective ratings of cannabis-related and neutral images differed as expected, and cannabis use frequency and cannabis craving correlations with cannabis image ratings generally supported stimulus validity. Motivational/affective ratings did not significantly differ across cannabis use method-specific images. This database may be a useful tool for future behavioral and neuroscience research on cannabis cue reactivity.
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Bourgault Z, Rubin-Kahana DS, Hassan AN, Sanches M, Le Foll B. Multiple Substance Use Disorders and Self-Reported Cognitive Function in U.S. Adults: Associations and Sex-Differences in a Nationally Representative Sample. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:797578. [PMID: 35095610 PMCID: PMC8791062 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.797578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Polysubstance use is a growing public health concern that has been associated with poor clinical outcomes. Compared to single-drug users, this population suffers greater deficits in cognitive function, which hinder treatment success and recovery. Despite its high prevalence and poor prognosis, epidemiological research on polysubstance use and accompanying cognitive profile is lacking. We investigated associations between numbers of past-year co-occurring substance use disorders (SUDs) and self-reported cognitive function using data from the National Epidemiologic Survey for Alcohol and Related Conditions III (NESARC-III). Regression analyses revealed a significant negative association between cognitive scores and numbers of past-year SUDs, which was moderated by sex. After adjusting for confounding variables, greater numbers of SUDs were associated with declining self-reported cognitive function, and this relationship was stronger among females. Our findings expand on current literature on cognitive impairments among polysubstance users and provide a novel, nuanced description of this relationship among the general population. We highlight the need for targeted and individualized treatment approaches in order to improve outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Bourgault
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dafna Sara Rubin-Kahana
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Child and Youth Mental Health Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ahmed Nabeel Hassan
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marcos Sanches
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Biostatistics Core, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Departments of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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7
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Macatee RJ, Albanese BJ, Okey SA, Afshar K, Carr M, Rosenthal MZ, Schmidt NB, Cougle JR. Impact of a computerized intervention for high distress intolerance on cannabis use outcomes: A randomized controlled trial. J Subst Abuse Treat 2020; 121:108194. [PMID: 33357604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prevalence of regular cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) have increased in the past two decades, but treatment-seeking is low and extant brief interventions do not target causal risk factors implicated in etiological models of addiction. Elevated distress intolerance (DI) is one risk factor that has been empirically linked with greater CUD severity and maintenance in regular users, but, to our knowledge, research has never targeted it in a brief intervention among cannabis users with CUD or at high risk. The current RCT evaluated the impact of a DI intervention (i.e., Distress Tolerance Intervention [DTI]) compared to a healthy habits control intervention (i.e., Healthy Video Control [HVC]) on DI and cannabis use outcomes. METHOD We randomized cannabis users with high DI (N = 60) to the DTI or HVC condition and they received two computerized intervention sessions. We assessed relief cannabis craving at pre- and post-treatment; and we assessed DI, cannabis use coping motives, use-related problems, and use frequency at pre- and post-treatment as well as one- and four-month follow-ups. We assessed CUD symptoms via interviews at pre-treatment and four-month follow-up. RESULTS Significant, durable reductions in DI and all cannabis use outcomes occurred in both conditions. Compared to the HVC condition, the DTI led to greater reductions in use frequency during the treatment period. Reductions in self-reported DI were correlated with reductions in coping motives and CUD symptoms. CONCLUSION The DTI's impact on all outcomes was largely comparable to the control condition, though it may have utility as an adjunctive intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah A Okey
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Kaveh Afshar
- Department of Psychology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Meghan Carr
- Department of Psychology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - M Zachary Rosenthal
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Norman B Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Jesse R Cougle
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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8
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McBain RK, Wong EC, Breslau J, Shearer AL, Cefalu MS, Roth E, Burnam MA, Collins RL. State medical marijuana laws, cannabis use and cannabis use disorder among adults with elevated psychological distress. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 215:108191. [PMID: 32736294 PMCID: PMC7502494 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use and cannabis use disorder are more prevalent in U.S. states with medical marijuana laws (MMLs), as well as among individuals with elevated psychological distress. We investigated whether adults with moderate and serious psychological distress experienced greater levels of cannabis use and/or disorder in states with MMLs compared to states without MMLs. METHODS National Survey of Drug Use and Health data (2013-2017) were used to compare past-month cannabis use, daily cannabis use, and cannabis use disorder prevalence among adults with moderate and serious psychological distress in states with versus without MMLs. We executed pooled multivariable logistic regression analyses to test main effects of distress, MMLs and their interaction, after adjustment. RESULTS Compared to states without MMLs, states with MMLs had higher adjusted prevalence of past-month use (11.1 % vs. 6.8 %), daily use (4.0 % vs. 2.2 %), and disorder (1.7 % vs. 1.2 %). Adults with moderate and serious psychological distress had greater adjusted odds of any use (AORs of 1.72 and 2.22, respectively) and of disorder (AORs of 2.17 and 2.94, respectively), compared to those with no/mild distress. We did not find evidence of an interaction between MMLs and distress category for any outcome. CONCLUSIONS Associations between elevated distress and cannabis use patterns are no greater in states with MML. However, cannabis use is more prevalent in MML states. Thus, higher base rates of cannabis use and disorder among adults with elevated distress are proportionally magnified in these states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan K McBain
- RAND Corporation, 20 Park Plz, Boston, MA, 02116, USA.
| | - Eunice C Wong
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90407 USA
| | - Joshua Breslau
- RAND Corporation, 4570 Fifth St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Amy L Shearer
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90407 USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Roth
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90407 USA
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9
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Azcarate PM, Zhang AJ, Keyhani S, Steigerwald S, Ishida JH, Cohen BE. Medical Reasons for Marijuana Use, Forms of Use, and Patient Perception of Physician Attitudes Among the US Population. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:1979-1986. [PMID: 32291715 PMCID: PMC7352011 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-05800-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of marijuana for medical purposes is increasing in parallel with expanding legalization and decreased public perception of harm. Despite this increase in use, it is unclear which medical conditions patients are attempting to treat with marijuana and whether they are communicating with medical providers about their use. OBJECTIVE To understand the medical reasons for marijuana use, forms of marijuana used for medical purposes, and disclosure of use to physicians. DESIGN National, probability-based online survey. SETTING The USA, 2017. PARTICIPANTS 16,280 US adults. MAIN MEASURE Proportion of US adults who agreed with a statement. KEY RESULTS A total of 9003 participants completed the survey (55% response rate). Five hundred ninety-one (7% of US adults) reported using marijuana for medical purposes. The most common medical reasons for marijuana use were anxiety (49%), insomnia (47%), chronic pain (42%), and depression (39%). The most common forms of use for all medical conditions were smoking and edibles, followed by vaping, concentrate, and topical. We found women were more likely to use marijuana for posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep, anxiety, and migraines. We did not find substantial variation in medical reasons for marijuana use by race. Among those using marijuana for medical purposes, 21% did not have a doctor. Among those with doctors, 33% did not inform them, 28% reported their doctor was neutral on their use, 32% reported their doctor was supportive, and 8% reported their doctor was not supportive. Those who lived in states where medical marijuana was illegal were less likely to disclose use to their doctor. LIMITATION The online format of the survey may have caused selection bias. Wording of the questions may have affected interpretation. Doctors were not queried directly, rather participants were asked about their perception of doctor attitudes. CONCLUSION Americans are using marijuana to treat medical conditions despite lack of evidence of efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M Azcarate
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Division of General Internal Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA.
| | - Alysandra J Zhang
- Northern California Institute for Education and Research, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, UCSF Division of General Internal Medicine, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.,San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Salomeh Keyhani
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Northern California Institute for Education and Research, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, UCSF Division of General Internal Medicine, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.,San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stacey Steigerwald
- Northern California Institute for Education and Research, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.,San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julie H Ishida
- Department of Medicine, UCSF Division of Nephrology, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Nephrology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Beth E Cohen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, UCSF Division of General Internal Medicine, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.,San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
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10
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Impact of Medical Marijuana Laws on State-Level Marijuana Use by Age and Gender, 2004-2013. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2020; 20:205-214. [PMID: 29103076 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-017-0848-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In states that have passed medical marijuana laws (MMLs), marijuana use (MU) increased after MML enactment among people ages 26 and older, but not among ages 12-25. We examined whether the age-specific impact of MMLs on MU varied by gender. Data were obtained from the 2004-2013 restricted-use National Survey on Drug Use and Health, aggregated at the state level. The exposure was a time-varying indicator of state-level MML (0 = No Law, 1 = Before Law, 2 = After Law). Outcomes included past-month MU prevalence, daily MU prevalence among past-year users (i.e., 300+ days/year), and past-year marijuana use disorder (MUD) prevalence. Linear models tested the state-level MML effect on outcomes by age (12-17, 18-25, 26+) and gender. Models included a state-level random intercept and controlled for time- and state-level covariates. Past-month MU did not increase after enactment of MML in men or women ages 12-25. Among people 26+, past-month MU increased for men from 7.0% before to 8.7% after enactment (+ 1.7%, p < 0.001) and for women from 3.1% before to 4.3% after enactment (+ 1.1%, p = 0.013). Among users 26+, daily MU also increased after enactment in both genders (men 16.3 to 19.1%, + 2.8%, p = 0.014; women 9.2 to 12.7%, + 3.4%, p = 0.003). There were no statistically significant increases in past-year MUD prevalence for any age or gender group after MML enactment. Given the statistically significant increase in daily use among past-year users aged 26+ following enactment, education campaigns should focus on informing the public of the risks associated with regular marijuana use.
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Salas-Wright CP, John R, Vaughn MG, Eschmann R, Cohen M, AbiNader M, Delva J. Trends in cannabis use among immigrants in the United States, 2002-2017: Evidence from two national surveys. Addict Behav 2019; 99:106029. [PMID: 31593886 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Findings from recent studies suggest that, among the general population of adults, the prevalence of cannabis use has increased over the last decade in the United States (US). And yet, there is much we do not know regarding the trends in cannabis use among immigrants. We address this important shortcoming by examining data on immigrants vis-à-vis US-born individuals using two national surveys. METHODS We examine trend data from the National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC, 2001-2013) and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health's Restricted Data Analysis System (NSDUH, 2002-2017). Main outcomes were past year cannabis use and cannabis use disorder with survey adjusted prevalence estimates generated for immigrants and US-born individuals. RESULTS In the NESARC, significant increases in the past year prevalence of cannabis use were observed both among US-born (2001-2002: 4.53%, 2012-2013: 10.74%) and immigrant participants (2001-2002: 1.67%, 2012-2013: 3.32%). We also found significant increases among immigrants arriving before age 12 and among immigrants from Latin America and Europe. In the NSDUH, we observed a significantly higher prevalence of cannabis use in 2016-2017 (6.3%) when compared to 2002-2003 (4.4%). CONCLUSIONS Findings make clear that cannabis use among US-born individuals has consistently been higher than that of immigrants since the early 2000s. However, while rates of cannabis use have declined among US-born adolescents in recent years, the prevalence of cannabis use has remained stable among immigrant adolescents. At the same time, cannabis use increased two-fold among both US-born and immigrant adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Salas-Wright
- School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States.; Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Prevention Science & Community Health, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States.
| | - Rachel John
- School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
| | - Michael G Vaughn
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States.; Graduate School of Social Welfare, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Rob Eschmann
- School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
| | - Mariana Cohen
- School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
| | - Millan AbiNader
- School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
| | - Jorge Delva
- School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
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Hamilton AD, Jang JB, Patrick ME, Schulenberg JE, Keyes KM. Age, period and cohort effects in frequent cannabis use among US students: 1991-2018. Addiction 2019; 114:1763-1772. [PMID: 31106501 PMCID: PMC6732038 DOI: 10.1111/add.14665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS As the legal status of cannabis changes across the United States and modes of administration expand, it is important to examine the potential impact on adolescent cannabis use. This study aimed to assess changes in prevalence of frequent cannabis use in adolescents in the United States and how far this varies by age and cohort. DESIGN Analysis of Monitoring the Future, a nationally representative annual survey of 8th-, 10th- and 12th-grade students in the United States conducted from 1991 to 2018. SETTING In-school surveys completed by US adolescents. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1 236 159 8th-, 10th- and 12th-graders; 51.5% female, 59.6% non-Hispanic white, 12.3% non-Hispanic black, 13.4% Hispanic and 14.7% other race/ethnicity. MEASUREMENTS Frequent cannabis use (FCU), defined as six or more occasions in the past 30 days, stratified by sex, race/ethnicity and parental education. FINDINGS FCU among US adolescents increased over the study period; the peak in 2010-18 was 11.4% among 18-year-old students. This increase was best explained by both period and cohort effects. Compared with respondents in 2005, adolescents surveyed in 2018 had period effects in FCU that were 1.6 times greater. Adolescents in younger birth cohorts (those born > 1988) had a lower increase in FCU than those born prior to 1988. Results were consistent across sex, parent education and race/ethnicity, with period effects indicating increasing FCU after 2005 and cohort effects indicating a lower magnitude of increase in more recent birth cohorts. Age and parental education disparities in FCU have increased over time, whereas race/ethnicity differences have converged over time; black students were 0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.64-0.70] times as likely to use cannabis frequently as white students from 1991 to 2000, and 1.03 (95% CI = 0.98-1.09) times as likely from 2011 to 2018 (P-value for time interaction < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of frequent cannabis use (FCU) increased from 1991 to 2018 among older adolescents in the United States. Racial/ethnic differences in FCU converged, whereas parental education differences have diverged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava D. Hamilton
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Joy Bohyun Jang
- Institute for Social Research and Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Megan E. Patrick
- Institute for Translational Research in Children’s Mental Health and Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - John E. Schulenberg
- Institute for Social Research and Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI,Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Katherine M. Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY,Center for Research on Society and Health, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
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13
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Mauro PM, Carliner H, Brown QL, Hasin DS, Shmulewitz D, Rahim-Juwel R, Sarvet AL, Wall MM, Martins SS. Age Differences in Daily and Nondaily Cannabis Use in the United States, 2002-2014. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2019; 79:423-431. [PMID: 29885150 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2018.79.423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adult cannabis use has increased in the United States since 2002, particularly after 2007, contrasting with stable/declining trends among youth. We investigated whether specific age groups disproportionately contributed to changes in daily and nondaily cannabis use trends. METHOD Participants ages 12 and older (N = 722,653) from the 2002-2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported past-year cannabis use frequency (i.e., daily = ≥300 days/year; nondaily = 1-299 days/year; none). Multinomial logistic regression was used to model change in past-year daily and nondaily cannabis use prevalence by age group (i.e., 12-17, 18-25, 26-34, 35-49, 50-64, ≥65), before and after 2007. Multinomial logistic regressions estimated change in relative odds of cannabis use frequency over time by age, adjusting for other sociodemographics. RESULTS Daily cannabis use prevalence decreased in ages 12-17 before 2007 and increased significantly across adult age categories only after 2007. Increases did not differ significantly across adult ages 18-64 and ranged between 1 and 2 percentage points. Nondaily cannabis use decreased among respondents ages 12-25 and 35-49 before 2007 and increased across adult age categories after 2007, particularly among adults 26-34 (i.e., 4.5 percentage points). Adjusted odds of daily versus nondaily cannabis use increased after 2007 for ages 12-64. CONCLUSIONS Increases in daily and nondaily cannabis use prevalence after 2007 were specific to adult age groups in the context of increasingly permissive cannabis legislation, attitudes, and lower risk perception. Although any cannabis use may be decreasing among teens, relative odds of more frequent use among users increased in ages 12-64 since 2007. Studies should assess not only any cannabis use, but also frequency of use, to target prevention efforts of adverse effects of cannabis that are especially likely among frequent users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia M Mauro
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Hannah Carliner
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York.,New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Qiana L Brown
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Deborah S Hasin
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York.,New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Dvora Shmulewitz
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | | | - Aaron L Sarvet
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - Melanie M Wall
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York.,Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Silvia S Martins
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
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14
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Hasin DS, Shmulewitz D, Sarvet AL. Time trends in US cannabis use and cannabis use disorders overall and by sociodemographic subgroups: a narrative review and new findings. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2019; 45:623-643. [PMID: 30870044 PMCID: PMC6745010 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2019.1569668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: Due to significant comorbidity and impairment associated with cannabis use and cannabis use disorder, understanding time trends in cannabis use and cannabis use disorder is an important public health priority.Objectives: To identify trends in cannabis use and cannabis use disorder overall, and by sociodemographic subgroup.Methods: Narrative review of published findings on trends in cannabis use and cannabis use disorders in data from repeated cross-sectional US general population surveys. In addition, in National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC; 2002-2002) and NESARC-III (2012-2013) data, logistic regression was used to examine whether trends differed between subgroups of adults.Results: The review showed that in adults, cannabis use increased over the past decade overall and within sociodemographic subgroups (gender, age, race/ethnicity, income, education, marital status, urbanicity, region, pregnancy status, disability status), with greater increases in men and disabled adults. Most sources also indicated significant increases in cannabis use disorders. New analysis showed significantly greater increases in adult cannabis use and cannabis use disorder in men (p ≤ .0001); young adults (p < .05); Blacks (vs. Whites, p < .01); low income groups (p < .001); never-married p ≤ .0001), and urban residents (p < .05). In adolescents, cannabis use generally decreased, although recent increases were observed in older and non-White adolescents.Conclusion: Cannabis use and cannabis use disorder are increasing in adults, with specific sociodemographic groups at higher risk, and may be increasing in some adolescent subgroups. Studies should determine mechanisms for differential trends to provide information to policymakers and enable informed decisions on cannabis legalization and service planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah S Hasin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Translational Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dvora Shmulewitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Translational Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aaron L Sarvet
- Translational Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, T. H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Associations between state-level policy liberalism, cannabis use, and cannabis use disorder from 2004 to 2012: Looking beyond medical cannabis law status. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 65:97-103. [PMID: 30685092 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical cannabis laws (MCL) have received increased attention as potential drivers of cannabis use (CU), but little work has explored how the broader policy climate, independent of MCL, may impact CU outcomes. We explored the association between state-level policy liberalism and past-year cannabis use (CU) and cannabis use disorder (CUD). METHODS We obtained state-level prevalence of past-year CU and CUD among past year cannabis users for ages 12-17, 18-25, and 26+ from the 2004-2006 and 2010-2012 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. States were categorized as liberal, moderate, or conservative based on state-level policy liberalism rankings in 2005 and 2011. Linear models with random state effects examined the association between policy liberalism and past-year CU and CUD, adjusting for state-level social and economic covariates and medical cannabis laws. RESULTS In adjusted models, liberal states had higher average past-year CU than conservative states for ages 12-17 (+1.58 percentage points; p = 0.03) and 18-25 (+2.96 percentage points; p = 0.01) but not for 26+ (p = 0.19). CUD prevalence among past year users was significantly lower in liberal compared to conservative states for ages 12-17 (-2.87 percentage points; p = 0.045) and marginally lower for ages 26+ (-2.45 percentage points; p = 0.05). CONCLUSION Liberal states had higher past-year CU, but lower CUD prevalence among users, compared to conservative states. Researchers and policy makers should consider how the broader policy environment, independent of MCL, may contribute to CU outcomes.
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16
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Kimmel HL, Lopez MF. Cannabis Use Disorder: Recent Findings and Future Directions. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-018-0223-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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17
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Keyhani S, Steigerwald S, Ishida J, Vali M, Cerdá M, Hasin D, Dollinger C, Yoo SR, Cohen BE. Risks and Benefits of Marijuana Use: A National Survey of U.S. Adults. Ann Intern Med 2018; 169:282-290. [PMID: 30039154 PMCID: PMC6157909 DOI: 10.7326/m18-0810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite insufficient evidence regarding its risks and benefits, marijuana is increasingly available and is aggressively marketed to the public. OBJECTIVE To understand the public's views on the risks and benefits of marijuana use. DESIGN Probability-based online survey. SETTING United States, 2017. PARTICIPANTS 16 280 U.S. adults. MEASUREMENTS Proportion of U.S. adults who agreed with a statement. RESULTS The response rate was 55.3% (n = 9003). Approximately 14.6% of U.S. adults reported using marijuana in the past year. About 81% of U.S. adults believe marijuana has at least 1 benefit, whereas 17% believe it has no benefit. The most common benefit cited was pain management (66%), followed by treatment of diseases, such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis (48%), and relief from anxiety, stress, and depression (47%). About 91% of U.S. adults believe marijuana has at least 1 risk, whereas 9% believe it has no risks. The most common risk identified by the public was legal problems (51.8%), followed by addiction (50%) and impaired memory (42%). Among U.S. adults, 29.2% agree that smoking marijuana prevents health problems. About 18% believe exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke is somewhat or completely safe for adults, whereas 7.6% indicated that it is somewhat or completely safe for children. Of the respondents, 7.3% agree that marijuana use is somewhat or completely safe during pregnancy. About 22.4% of U.S. adults believe that marijuana is not at all addictive. LIMITATION Wording of the questions may have affected interpretation. CONCLUSION Americans' view of marijuana use is more favorable than existing evidence supports. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salomeh Keyhani
- University of California, San Francisco, and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California (S.K., J.I., B.E.C.)
| | - Stacey Steigerwald
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, California (S.S., M.V., C.D., S.R.Y.)
| | - Julie Ishida
- University of California, San Francisco, and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California (S.K., J.I., B.E.C.)
| | - Marzieh Vali
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, California (S.S., M.V., C.D., S.R.Y.)
| | | | | | - Camille Dollinger
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, California (S.S., M.V., C.D., S.R.Y.)
| | - Sodahm R Yoo
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, California (S.S., M.V., C.D., S.R.Y.)
| | - Beth E Cohen
- University of California, San Francisco, and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California (S.K., J.I., B.E.C.)
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18
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Hodgins DC, Stea JN. Insights from individuals successfully recovered from cannabis use disorder: natural versus treatment-assisted recoveries and abstinent versus moderation outcomes. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2018; 13:16. [PMID: 30056804 PMCID: PMC6065061 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-018-0118-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing understanding of the pathways and processes of recovery from cannabis use disorder may help in designing effective and attractive interventions to promote recovery. We report insights from individuals who had successfully recovered from cannabis use disorder with a variety of pathways. Recovered individuals describe their perceptions of why they developed the problem, why they were successful in recovering, and the advice they would offer to individuals with similar problems. METHODS Media announcements were used to recruit 119 volunteers who met lifetime but not past year criteria for cannabis use disorder. Participants were asked open-ended questions which were content analyzed and compared between individuals who whose recoveries were treatment-assisted (45%) versus natural (55%) and between individuals who were abstinent (57%) versus those who continued non-problematic consumption (43%). RESULTS Participants most frequently described their problems as having developed due to the use of cannabis to cope, because of environmental and social influences, and enjoyment of the positive effects. Success in recovery was attributed to focusing on reasons for change, goal commitment to change, and conquering denial/self-deception. Treatment-assisted participants were more likely to perceive that they overcame their cannabis problem due to treatment/self-help and conquering underlying issues, whereas naturally recovered participants were more likely to describe focusing on reasons for change, will power, and lost enjoyment/lifestyle change. Treatment-assisted participants were more likely to recommend seeking help/social support and naturally recovered participants were more likely to endorse reflecting on reasons for change, engaging in hobbies/distracting activities, and stimulus control/avoidance/change social environment. The majority recommended professional treatment (79.1%) and self-help materials (76.9%), and a little over half (53.2%) would also recommend natural recovery. CONCLUSIONS These insights from people with lived experience further support previous research that treatment-assisted and natural recoveries are for the most part similar with respect to the recovery process. However, participants, whether or not they had had treatment involvement, recommended the use of treatment and self-help materials to sharpen their focus on the reasons to change and to enhance their commitment to change. At the same time, they saw value in the efforts of individuals to recovery without help.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Hodgins
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Jonathan N Stea
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
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Keyhani S, Vali M, Cohen B, Woodbridge A, Arenson M, Eilkhani E, Aivadyan C, Hasin D. A search algorithm for identifying likely users and non-users of marijuana from the free text of the electronic medical record. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193706. [PMID: 29509775 PMCID: PMC5839555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The harmful effects of marijuana on health and in particular cardiovascular health are understudied. To develop such knowledge, an efficient method of developing an informative cohort of marijuana users and non-users is needed. METHODS We identified patients with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease using ICD-9 codes who were seen in the San Francisco VA in 2015. We imported these patients' medical record notes into an informatics platform that facilitated text searches. We categorized patients into those with evidence of marijuana use in the past 12 months and patients with no such evidence, using the following text strings: "marijuana", "mjx", and "cannabis". We randomly selected 51 users and 51 non-users based on this preliminary classification, and sent a recruitment letter to 97 of these patients who had contact information available. Patients were interviewed on marijuana use and domains related to cardiovascular health. Data on marijuana use collected from the medical record was compared to data collected as part of the interview. RESULTS The interview completion rate was 71%. Among the 35 patients identified by text strings as having used marijuana in the previous year, 15 had used marijuana in the past 30 days (positive predictive value = 42.9%). The probability of use in the past month increased from 8.8% to 42.9% in people who have these keywords in their medical record compared to those who did not have these terms in their medical record. CONCLUSION Methods that combine text search strategies for participant recruitment with health interviews provide an efficient approach to developing prospective cohorts that can be used to study the health effects of marijuana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salomeh Keyhani
- San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Marzieh Vali
- San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Beth Cohen
- San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Alexandra Woodbridge
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Melanie Arenson
- University of Maryland, Department of Psychology, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elnaz Eilkhani
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Christina Aivadyan
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Deborah Hasin
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
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Hasin DS. US Epidemiology of Cannabis Use and Associated Problems. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:195-212. [PMID: 28853439 PMCID: PMC5719106 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 370] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review provides an overview of the changing US epidemiology of cannabis use and associated problems. Adults and adolescents increasingly view cannabis as harmless, and some can use cannabis without harm. However, potential problems include harms from prenatal exposure and unintentional childhood exposure; decline in educational or occupational functioning after early adolescent use, and in adulthood, impaired driving and vehicle crashes; cannabis use disorders (CUD), cannabis withdrawal, and psychiatric comorbidity. Evidence suggests national increases in cannabis potency, prenatal and unintentional childhood exposure; and in adults, increased use, CUD, cannabis-related emergency room visits, and fatal vehicle crashes. Twenty-nine states have medical marijuana laws (MMLs) and of these, 8 have recreational marijuana laws (RMLs). Many studies indicate that MMLs or their specific provisions did not increase adolescent cannabis use. However, the more limited literature suggests that MMLs have led to increased cannabis potency, unintentional childhood exposures, adult cannabis use, and adult CUD. Ecological-level studies suggest that MMLs have led to substitution of cannabis for opioids, and also possibly for psychiatric medications. Much remains to be determined about cannabis trends and the role of MMLs and RMLs in these trends. The public, health professionals, and policy makers would benefit from education about the risks of cannabis use, the increases in such risks, and the role of marijuana laws in these increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah S Hasin
- Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
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21
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Trends and correlates of cocaine use and cocaine use disorder in the United States from 2011 to 2015. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 180:376-384. [PMID: 28961544 PMCID: PMC5828499 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent epidemiological data suggest a resurgence in cocaine use (CU) and cocaine-related problems in the United States. Demographic trends and correlates of problem CU are needed to determine potential factors that may be influencing the increased trend and to inform targeted prevention and intervention strategies. METHODS Trends in any past-year CU, weekly CU, and cocaine use disorder (CUD) were examined among persons aged ≥12 years using the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2011 to 2015. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine correlates of past-year and weekly CU and CUD among adolescents and adults. RESULTS The prevalence of past-year CU from 2011 to 2015 increased among females, ages 18-25, ages ≥50, non-Hispanic Blacks, and persons reporting low income, past-year tobacco use, past-year alcohol use, and past-month binge and heavy alcohol use. The prevalence of weekly CU increased among persons aged ≥50 years and persons reporting past-month heavy alcohol use. A significant increase in the prevalence of CUD was only found among persons aged ≥50 years. Adjusted logistic regression showed that older age, large metropolitan residence, past-year tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and heroin use, and major depressive episode were associated with increased odds of CU or CUD among both adolescents and adults; however, sex and race/ethnicity correlates differed among adolescents and adults. CONCLUSIONS Findings have implications for increased monitoring of CU-related indicators among some high-risk groups, such as females, older adults, Blacks, and polysubstance users. Targeted screening and intervention strategies among these population subgroups may be needed.
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Carliner H, Brown QL, Sarvet AL, Hasin DS. Cannabis use, attitudes, and legal status in the U.S.: A review. Prev Med 2017; 104:13-23. [PMID: 28705601 PMCID: PMC6348863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2017.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 351] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is widely used among adolescents and adults. In the U.S., marijuana laws have been changing, and Americans increasingly favor legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational uses. While some can use cannabis without harm, others experience adverse consequences. The objective of this review is to summarize information on the legal status of cannabis, perceptions regarding cannabis, prevalence and time trends in use and related adverse consequences, and evidence on the relationship of state medical (MML) and recreational (RML) marijuana laws to use and attitudes. Twenty-nine states now have MMLs, and eight of these have RMLs. Since the early 2000s, adult and adolescent perception of cannabis use as risky has decreased. Over the same time, the prevalence of adolescent cannabis use has changed little. However, adult cannabis use, disorders, and related consequences have increased. Multiple nationally representative studies indicate that MMLs have had little effect on cannabis use among adolescents. However, while MML effects have been less studied in adults, available evidence suggests that MMLs increase use and cannabis use disorders in adults. While data are not yet available to evaluate the effect of RMLs, they are likely to lower price, increase availability, and thereby increase cannabis use. More permissive marijuana laws may accomplish social justice aims (e.g., reduce racial disparities in law enforcement) and generate tax revenues. However, such laws may increase cannabis-related adverse health and psychosocial consequences by increasing the population of users. Dissemination of balanced information about the potential health harms of cannabis use is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Carliner
- Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, United States; Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, United States
| | - Qiana L Brown
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, United States; Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, New York State Office of Mental Health, United States; New York University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States
| | | | - Deborah S Hasin
- Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, United States; Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, United States.
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Problem alcohol use and healthcare utilization among persons with cannabis use disorder in the United States. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 178:477-484. [PMID: 28711814 PMCID: PMC5573168 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergency department (ED) and hospital settings represent crucial opportunities for engaging treatment for cannabis use disorder (CUD). Thus, there is a need to identify factors associated with healthcare utilization among persons with CUD to improve screening and intervention approaches. Problematic alcohol use may be a salient risk factor. METHODS Using data from the 2005-2013 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, we determined factors, including different patterns of alcohol use, associated with past-year ED admission and inpatient hospitalization among persons aged 12 years or older meeting criteria for CUD in the past year (N=16,757). We also determined the prevalence and correlates of problem alcohol use among persons with CUD to further inform its association with healthcare utilization. RESULTS Among persons with CUD, 40.15% and 10.04% reported past-year ED admission and inpatient hospitalization, respectively. Severe alcohol use disorder (AUD) (≥6 AUD symptoms), female sex, Black race, low income, major depressive episode (MDE), and other substance use disorders were associated with increased odds of healthcare utilization; current (i.e., last month) alcohol use patterns were not. Persons with CUD that were males, ages 18-25 (vs. ages 12-17), Hispanic (vs. White), and with low income, other drug use disorders, or MDE had increased odds of AUD. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that screening and intervention efforts for improving treatment initiation or engagement for CUD may target cannabis-using women, blacks, low-income adults or those with severe AUD in the past year, another substance use disorder, or MDE.
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Hasin DS, Sarvet AL, Cerdá M, Keyes KM, Stohl M, Galea S, Wall MM. US Adult Illicit Cannabis Use, Cannabis Use Disorder, and Medical Marijuana Laws: 1991-1992 to 2012-2013. JAMA Psychiatry 2017; 74:579-588. [PMID: 28445557 PMCID: PMC5539836 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.0724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 266] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Importance Over the last 25 years, illicit cannabis use and cannabis use disorders have increased among US adults, and 28 states have passed medical marijuana laws (MML). Little is known about MML and adult illicit cannabis use or cannabis use disorders considered over time. Objective To present national data on state MML and degree of change in the prevalence of cannabis use and disorders. Design, Participants, and Setting Differences in the degree of change between those living in MML states and other states were examined using 3 cross-sectional US adult surveys: the National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey (NLAES; 1991-1992), the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC; 2001-2002), and the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (NESARC-III; 2012-2013). Early-MML states passed MML between NLAES and NESARC ("earlier period"). Late-MML states passed MML between NESARC and NESARC-III ("later period"). Main Outcomes and Measures Past-year illicit cannabis use and DSM-IV cannabis use disorder. Results Overall, from 1991-1992 to 2012-2013, illicit cannabis use increased significantly more in states that passed MML than in other states (1.4-percentage point more; SE, 0.5; P = .004), as did cannabis use disorders (0.7-percentage point more; SE, 0.3; P = .03). In the earlier period, illicit cannabis use and disorders decreased similarly in non-MML states and in California (where prevalence was much higher to start with). In contrast, in remaining early-MML states, the prevalence of use and disorders increased. Remaining early-MML and non-MML states differed significantly for use (by 2.5 percentage points; SE, 0.9; P = .004) and disorder (1.1 percentage points; SE, 0.5; P = .02). In the later period, illicit use increased by the following percentage points: never-MML states, 3.5 (SE, 0.5); California, 5.3 (SE, 1.0); Colorado, 7.0 (SE, 1.6); other early-MML states, 2.6 (SE, 0.9); and late-MML states, 5.1 (SE, 0.8). Compared with never-MML states, increases in use were significantly greater in late-MML states (1.6-percentage point more; SE, 0.6; P = .01), California (1.8-percentage point more; SE, 0.9; P = .04), and Colorado (3.5-percentage point more; SE, 1.5; P = .03). Increases in cannabis use disorder, which was less prevalent, were smaller but followed similar patterns descriptively, with change greater than never-MML states in California (1.0-percentage point more; SE, 0.5; P = .06) and Colorado (1.6-percentage point more; SE, 0.8; P = .04). Conclusions and Relevance Medical marijuana laws appear to have contributed to increased prevalence of illicit cannabis use and cannabis use disorders. State-specific policy changes may also have played a role. While medical marijuana may help some, cannabis-related health consequences associated with changes in state marijuana laws should receive consideration by health care professionals and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah S Hasin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York2New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York3Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Aaron L Sarvet
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York2New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Magdalena Cerdá
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento
| | - Katherine M Keyes
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York3Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Malka Stohl
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Sandro Galea
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Melanie M Wall
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York2New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York6Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Brown QL, Sarvet AL, Shmulewitz D, Martins SS, Wall MM, Hasin DS. Trends in Marijuana Use Among Pregnant and Nonpregnant Reproductive-Aged Women, 2002-2014. JAMA 2017; 317:207-209. [PMID: 27992619 PMCID: PMC5595220 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2016.17383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Carliner H, Mauro PM, Brown QL, Shmulewitz D, Rahim-Juwel R, Sarvet AL, Wall MM, Martins SS, Carliner G, Hasin DS. The widening gender gap in marijuana use prevalence in the U.S. during a period of economic change, 2002-2014. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 170:51-58. [PMID: 27875801 PMCID: PMC5321672 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIM Concurrently with increasingly permissive attitudes towards marijuana use and its legalization, the prevalence of marijuana use has increased in recent years in the U.S. Substance use is generally more prevalent in men than women, although for alcohol, the gender gap is narrowing. However, information is lacking on whether time trends in marijuana use differ by gender, or whether socioeconomic status in the context of the Great Recession may affect these changes. METHODS Using repeated cross-sectional data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2002-2014), we examined changes over time in prevalence of past-year marijuana use by gender, and whether gender differences varied across income levels. After empirically determining a change point in use in 2007, we used logistic regression to test interaction terms including time, gender, and income level. RESULTS Prevalence of marijuana use increased for both men (+4.0%) and women (+2.7%) from 2002 to 2014, with all of the increase occurring from 2007 to 2014. Increases were greater for men, leading to a widening of the gender gap over time (p<0.001). This divergence occurred primarily due to increased prevalence among men in the lowest income level (+6.2%) from 2007 to 2014. CONCLUSION Our findings are consistent with other studies documenting increased substance use during times of economic insecurity, especially among men. Corresponding with the Great Recession and lower employment rate beginning in 2007, low-income men showed the greatest increases in marijuana use during this period, leading to a widening of the gender gap in prevalence of marijuana use over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Carliner
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pia M. Mauro
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qiana L. Brown
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dvora Shmulewitz
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA,Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Melanie M. Wall
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA,Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA,Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Silvia S. Martins
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Deborah S. Hasin
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA,New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA,Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive #123, New York, NY 10032, USA. (D.S. Hasin)
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Salas-Wright CP, Vaughn MG. The Changing Landscape of Adolescent Marijuana Use Risk. J Adolesc Health 2016; 59:246-247. [PMID: 27562365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael G Vaughn
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
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Trends in cannabis use disorders among racial/ethnic population groups in the United States. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 165:181-90. [PMID: 27317045 PMCID: PMC4939114 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minority groups generally experience more disparities than whites in behavioral healthcare use. The population of racial/ethnic groups is growing faster than whites. Given increased concerns of cannabis use (CU) and its associations with health conditions, we examined national trends in cannabis use disorder (CUD) among adults aged ≥18 by race/ethnicity. METHODS Data were from the 2005-2013 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (N=340,456). We compared CU patterns and the conditional prevalence of CUD among cannabis users by race/ethnicity to understand racial/ethnic variations in CUD. RESULTS Approximately 1.5% of adults met criteria for a CUD in the past year. Regardless of survey year, cannabis dependence was more common than cannabis abuse, representing 66% of adults with a CUD. Across racial/ethnic groups, the prevalence of cannabis abuse and dependence remained stable during 2005-2013. In the total adult sample, the odds of weekly CU, monthly CU, and cannabis dependence were greater among blacks, native-Americans, and mixed-race adults than whites. Among cannabis users, the odds of cannabis abuse and dependence were greater among blacks, native-Americans, and Hispanics than whites. Logistic regression controlling for age, sex, education, and survey year indicated an increased trend in monthly CU and weekly CU in the total sample and among past-year cannabis users. Younger age, male sex, and low education were associated with increased odds of cannabis dependence. CONCLUSIONS The large sample provides robust information that indicates a need for research to monitor CUD and identify culturally appropriate interventions especially for targeting minority populations.
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Margolis A, Rosca P, Kurs R, Sznitman SR, Grinshpoon A. Routine Drug Screening for Patients in the Emergency Department of a State Psychiatric Hospital: A Naturalistic Cohort Study. J Dual Diagn 2016; 12:218-226. [PMID: 27779447 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2016.1252075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigates the proportion of drug users among patients with mental disorders who attended the emergency department of one major psychiatric hospital in Northern Israel, the most frequent psychiatric diagnoses associated with drug use, and the impact of confirmed drug use on hospital admission. We hypothesized that the proportion of individuals with positive urine drug test results presenting at the psychiatric emergency department during the study period would be 20% to 30%. METHODS An unselected cohort of 2,019 adult patients who visited the emergency department of Sha'ar Menashe Mental Health Center, a university-affiliated government facility, was evaluated and underwent routine urine drug testing between April 2012 and February 2014. Clinical, demographic, and urine drug test data were collected from medical records and statistically analyzed, comparing diagnostic evaluation at admission and after discharge from either the emergency department or the hospital. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were used to identify the possible variables associated with drug use in this sample. RESULTS Urine drug test results showed that 194 of the 2,019 subjects (9.6%) had used a psychoactive substance before attending the emergency department. Among patients with positive urine drug test results, the majority (77.8%) used cannabis, 25.8% used opiates, 24.7% used ecstasy, and 5.2% used cocaine. Differences in the prevalence of positive urine drug test results between admitted and nonadmitted patients did not reach a statistically significant level. The frequency of positive urine drug test results across lifetime International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10) diagnoses was 27.2% for substance-related disorders, 4.8% for psychotic disorders, 4.2% for mood disorders, 11.0% for personality disorders, and 11.5% for nonpsychotic disorders. Both univariate and logistic regression analyses revealed that younger age (18-40), male sex, fewer years of education, single marital status, and ICD-10 diagnosis of substance-related, personality, and nonpsychotic disorders were indicators of higher likelihood of positive urine drug test findings. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that routine urine toxicology screening is not necessary in the psychiatric emergency department as an adjunct to a thorough psychiatric clinical examination. However, urine drug tests should be performed when the clinical evaluation cannot determine whether the mental disorder is the result of illicit drug use or clearly non-drug-related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatoly Margolis
- a Department for the Treatment of Substance Abuse , Ministry of Health , Jerusalem , Israel
| | - Paola Rosca
- b Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University , Jerusalem , Israel
| | - Rena Kurs
- c Sha'ar Menashe Mental Health Center, Mobile Post Hefer, Technion - Haifa , Israel
| | | | - Alexander Grinshpoon
- c Sha'ar Menashe Mental Health Center, Mobile Post Hefer, Technion - Haifa , Israel.,e Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology , Haifa , Israel
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