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Published on: August 1, 2025
Abstinence phobia among adult African American/Black cannabis users
Michael J Zvolensky1, Brooke Y Kauffman2, Lorra Garey3
1Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
Objective:
African American/Black individuals experience significant health disparities, particularly as it relates to cannabis use. As such, there is a need to identify intrapersonal factors related to more severe patterns of use among this subpopulation. Worry about quitting or reducing cannabis as a result of the anticipated anxiety-related states during deprivation (i.e., abstinence phobia) is one factor that is theoretically important in the context of cannabis-related disparities.
Method:
The current study sought to examine the cross-sectional association between abstinence phobia and cannabis use problems, perceived barriers for cannabis cessation, and cannabis withdrawal symptoms. Participants included 83 African American/Black cannabis users (31.3% female, Mage = 38.12, SD = 10.42).
Results:
Cannabis abstinence phobia was associated with greater severity of cannabis use problems, more perceived barriers for quitting cannabis use, and more severe cannabis withdrawal symptoms.
Conclusions:
Abstinence phobia may represent an underrecognized intervention target for addressing cannabis use problems and quit success.
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