“Everything is kind of the same except my mind is with me”: exploring cannabis substitution in a sample of adults in early recovery from an opioid or stimulant addiction

Original research
par
Beaugard, Corinne A., Walley, Alexander Y. & Amodeo, Maryanne

Date de publication

2024

Géographie

USA

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Oui

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Oui

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

They examined the use of cannabis as a substitute for other drug use/addiction (ex. Opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, etc.) and its role in the resolution of addiction (rather than seeking abstinence from all substances forever as the sole concept of recovery).

Constatations/points à retenir

Cannabis use may benefit some adults who are reducing their opioid or stimulant use, especially during early recovery. The addiction field’s focus on abstinence has limited our knowledge about non-abstinent recovery. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the nature of substitution and its impact on recovery over time.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

14 participants reported that they had resolved a primary opioid or stimulant addiction and subsequently increased their cannabis use within the previous 12 months. Using grounded theory, the interviewer explored their experiences of cannabis use during early recovery.

Mots clés

About PWUD
Illegal drugs
Stimulants
Return to use
Substitution/OAT