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The cannabis withdrawal syndrome.
1Center for Addiction Research, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA. ajbudney@uams.edu
Current Opinion in Psychiatry
|April 14, 2006
Summary
Cannabis dependence is a growing concern, with many treatment seekers experiencing withdrawal symptoms that hinder abstinence. Research confirms a clinically significant cannabis withdrawal syndrome impacting quit attempts.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cannabis dependence treatment demand has increased significantly.
- Many individuals struggle with cannabis abstinence during treatment.
- Skepticism exists regarding physiological dependence and withdrawal from cannabis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence establishing cannabis withdrawal syndrome.
- To understand the clinical significance of cannabis withdrawal.
- To explore the impact of cannabis withdrawal on cessation attempts.
Main Methods:
- Review of neurobiological evidence for cannabis withdrawal.
- Examination of laboratory studies on cannabis withdrawal syndrome.
- Analysis of clinical reports from treatment-seeking populations.
Main Results:
- The endogenous cannabinoid system and receptors provide a neurobiological basis for withdrawal.
- Laboratory studies confirm the reliability and validity of cannabis withdrawal syndrome.
- Clinical samples show cannabis withdrawal syndrome is prevalent among treatment seekers.
Conclusions:
- A clinically significant cannabis withdrawal syndrome is now established.
- Further research is needed to understand withdrawal's effect on cessation.
- Optimal treatments for cannabis withdrawal symptoms require further investigation.