title: Effects of chronic, heavy cannabis use on executive functions.
abstract: This case describes the clinical course of a cannabis-dependent individual entering a 12-week abstinence-based research program. The case illustrates the effects of chronic, heavy cannabis use on executive functions at three time points: 1) 24 hours of abstinence; 2) 4 weeks of abstinence; and 3) 12 weeks of abstinence. It is followed by discussions by two clinical psychologists and a psychiatrist. The findings described here have important clinical implications, as executive functions have a vital role in treatment participation and in sustaining recovery. It should be of particular interest to clinicians who work with people with cannabis use disorders.
authors.affiliation: Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders; The Scripps Research Institute; La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
authors.forename: Rebecca D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Crean
authors.forename: Susan F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Tapert
authors.forename: Arpi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Minassian
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Macdonald
authors.forename: Natania A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Crane
authors.forename: Barbara J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Mason
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects; D003657:Decision Making / Q000187:drug effects; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D056344:Executive Function / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D014040:Token Economy
chemical_list: D013759:Dronabinol