Relapse in outpatient treatment for marijuana dependence

The current study provides an initial examination of lapse and relapse to marijuana use among 82 individuals who achieved at least 2 weeks of abstinence during outpatient treatment for marijuana dependence. Seventy-one percent used marijuana at least once (i.e., lapsed) within 6 months of initial abstinence, averaging 73 days (SD = 50) till lapsing. Similarly, 71% of those who lapsed, relapsed to heavier use defined as at least 4 days of marijuana use in any 7-day period. Early lapses were more strongly associated with consequent relapse. Previous studies have noted that marijuana-dependent outpatients experience difficulty initiating abstinence from marijuana much as do those dependent on other substances. The present data suggest that these similarities extend to difficulty maintaining abstinence.