TY - JOUR
T1 - Withdrawal symptoms do not predict relapse among subjects treated for cannabis dependence
AU - Arendt, Mikkel
AU - Rosenberg, Raben
AU - Foldager, Leslie
AU - Sher, Leo
AU - Munk-Jørgensen, Povl
PY - 2007/11
Y1 - 2007/11
N2 - This is the first follow-up study on the association between cannabis withdrawal symptoms and risk of relapse to cannabis use. Withdrawal symptoms were assessed in 36 subjects seeking treatment for cannabis dependence. All were free of other substance use or alcohol abuse in the month before abstinence from cannabis. Follow-up was performed 26±4 months later, and at this point, the withdrawal symptoms were re-assessed. The following symptoms were significantly elevated after abstinence compared with follow-up: irritability, anger, depression, restlessness, craving, sleep problems, strange dreams, increased appetite, violent outbursts, sweating, hot flashes, chills, and shakiness. This offers further validation of a cannabis withdrawal syndrome. Average withdrawal scores at baseline did not differ with gender, age, treatment type, extent of cannabis use, or a lifetime history of anxiety or affective disorders. Withdrawal scores at baseline did not predict relapse during follow-up.
AB - This is the first follow-up study on the association between cannabis withdrawal symptoms and risk of relapse to cannabis use. Withdrawal symptoms were assessed in 36 subjects seeking treatment for cannabis dependence. All were free of other substance use or alcohol abuse in the month before abstinence from cannabis. Follow-up was performed 26±4 months later, and at this point, the withdrawal symptoms were re-assessed. The following symptoms were significantly elevated after abstinence compared with follow-up: irritability, anger, depression, restlessness, craving, sleep problems, strange dreams, increased appetite, violent outbursts, sweating, hot flashes, chills, and shakiness. This offers further validation of a cannabis withdrawal syndrome. Average withdrawal scores at baseline did not differ with gender, age, treatment type, extent of cannabis use, or a lifetime history of anxiety or affective disorders. Withdrawal scores at baseline did not predict relapse during follow-up.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=36849008093&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/10550490701640985
DO - 10.1080/10550490701640985
M3 - Article
C2 - 18058411
AN - SCOPUS:36849008093
SN - 1055-0496
VL - 16
SP - 461
EP - 467
JO - American Journal on Addictions
JF - American Journal on Addictions
IS - 6
ER -