“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
by
Beaugard, Corinne A., Walley, Alexander Y. & Amodeo, Maryanne

Release Date

2024

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

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).

Findings/Key points

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.

Design/methods

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.

Keywords

About PWUD
Illegal drugs
Stimulants
Return to use
Substitution/OAT