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Cannabis, Decision-Making, and Online Assistance Seeking
Mark Evans1, Rowan P Ogeil2, James G Phillips1
1Department of Psychology, Auckland University of Technology, Akoranga Campus, Auckland, New Zealand.
The American Journal on Addictions
|September 19, 2019
Summary
Maladaptive decision-making, particularly procrastination, is linked to problematic cannabis use. Individuals with cannabis use disorder (CUD) who procrastinate or avoid decisions are less likely to seek online help.
Area of Science:
- Addiction research
- Psychology
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Maladaptive decision-making strategies may contribute to cannabis-related problems.
- Individuals with cannabis use disorder (CUD) may not adopt safe cannabis use patterns or seek treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate decision-making styles in relation to cannabis-related harm.
- To explore the willingness of individuals to seek online information or treatment for cannabis issues.
Main Methods:
- 153 respondents completed the Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test-Revised (CUDIT-R) and the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire (MDMQ).
- Participants answered questions regarding their willingness to seek online information or treatment for cannabis-related issues.
- Multiple regression analysis examined the relationship between problematic cannabis use, decision-making style, and recent cannabis use.
Main Results:
- Hazardous cannabis use correlated with higher hypervigilance and decisional self-esteem.
- Dependence symptoms were associated with lower vigilance and higher procrastination.
- Harmful cannabis use was linked to increased procrastination.
- Individuals with CUD symptoms were less inclined to seek online help if they exhibited procrastination or buck-passing behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Decision-making styles significantly influence cannabis use patterns and associated symptoms.
- Individuals with cannabis-related problems who avoid seeking online assistance often display defensively avoidant decision-making styles.
- Procrastination is a key characteristic of problematic cannabis use, and online interventions may be overlooked by avoidant CUD clients.
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