Concurrent cannabis use during treatment for comorbid ADHD and cocaine dependence: effects on outcome.
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance in the United States with especially high prevalence of use among those with psychiatric disorders. Few studies have examined the relationship between concurrent cannabis use and treatment outcome among patients receiving treatment for comorbid substance abuse and psychiatric disorders. This study investigated the effects of cannabis use on treatment retention and abstinence from cocaine among cocaine dependent patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Cocaine dependent patients diagnosed with current ADHD (DSM-IV, N = 92) aged 25 to 51 participated in a randomized clinical trial of methylphenidate for treatment of ADHD and cocaine dependence in an outpatient setting. The majority of patients (69%) used cannabis during treatment. Results suggest that moderate/intermittent cannabis users had greater retention rates compared to abstainers and consistent users (p = .02). This study is the first to examine concurrent cannabis use in cocaine dependent patients diagnosed with ADHD.
Aharonovich
Efrat
E
Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. ea2017@columbia.edu
Garawi
Fatima
F
Bisaga
Adam
A
Brooks
Daniel
D
Raby
Wilfrid N
WN
Rubin
Eric
E
Nunes
Edward V
EV
Levin
Frances R
FR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D017741:Survivors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D010919:Placebos; D008774:Methylphenidate