Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Aims A substitution effect occurs when patients substitute Medical Cannabis (MC) for another drug. Over three-quarters (76.7%) of New England dispensary members reported reducing their use of opioids and two-fifths (42.0%) decreased their use of alcohol after starting MC (Piper et al. 2017). The objective of this exploratory study was to identify any factors which differentiate alcohol substituters from those that do not modify their alcohol use after starting MC (non-substituters). Methods Among dispensary patients (N=1,477), over two-thirds with chronic pain, that completed an online survey, 7.4% indicated that they regularly consumed alcohol. Comparisons were made to identify any demographic or health history characteristics which differentiated alcohol substituters (N=47) from non-substituters (N=65). Respondents selected from among a list of 37 diseases and health conditions (e.g. diabetes, sleep disorders) and the total number was calculated. Results Substituters and non-substituters were indistinguishable in terms of sex, age, or prior drug history. Substituters were significantly more likely to be employed (68.1%) than non-substituters (51.1%). Substituters also reported having significantly more health conditions and diseases (3.3±2.0) than non-substituters (2.4±1.4). Conclusions This small study offers some insights into the profile of patients whose self-reported alcohol intake decreased following initiation of MC. Alcohol substituters had more other health conditions but also were more likely to be employed which may indicate that they fit a social drinker profile. Additional prospective or controlled research into the alcohol substitution effect following MC with a sample with more advanced alcohol misuse may be warranted. Short summary A substitution effect with medical cannabis replacing prescription opioids has been reported but less is known for alcohol. This study evaluated characteristics which might differentiate alcohol substituters (N=47) from non-substituters (N=65) among dispensary members. Substituters were significantly more likely to be employed and have more health conditions than non-substituters.
Source: Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
Authors: Assad Hayat, Brian J. Piper
Institutions: Geisinger College of Health Sciences, Bowdoin College
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2992443308