“Preventing or delaying the onset of marijuana use could prevent or delay the onset of alcohol use disorder.” -Dr. Renee Goodwin
Marijuana users are ve times more likely to develop an alcohol abuse disorder, according to a new study
When it rains it pours. e old idiom may be familiar to many drug users who often nd themselves battling more than one addiction. While previous research has shown multiple substance abuse disorders often go hand in hand, a new study suggests simply using marijuana can lead to a much higher risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.
Uses In Treatment For those already struggling with marijuana or alcohol use disorders, researchers said the knowledge that the two behaviors are linked could help people see the bigger picture of their addiction, and could prove useful in their journey toward recovery. “In some ways it may seem self- evident, but it may not be,” Dr. Goodwin says. “If you’re trying to quit drinking, it’s good to know that quitting marijuana could increase your chance of being successful.”
Finding the Link Researchers at Columbia University analyzed data from 27,461 people who had used marijuana at the time of rst testing, but had no history of alcohol related disorders. When researchers checked back three years later, they found marijuana users were ve times more likely to have developed an alcohol abuse disorder.
Researchers said they were surprised the link wasn’t between marijuana use disorder, but simply marijuana use itself. “I think it’s important for people to be aware that there are certain behaviors that come with speci c risks,” says Dr. Renee Goodwin, one of the lead researchers. “It would be particularly useful for youth.” Because youth are at a higher risk of experimenting with both drugs and alcohol, researchers said educating them about the total scope of risk is not only important, but could help curb problematic behaviors. “Preventing or delaying the onset of marijuana use could prevent or delay the onset of alcohol use disorder,” Dr. Goodwin says. “Statistically it should.”
Zero relationship to mood and anxiety disorders As marijuana use has increased in the U.S., with some states even voting for legalization, some have wondered what the psychological cost will be to users. To investigate the question further, other researchers at Columbia University also conducted a recent study to determine if a link exists between increased marijuana use and psychiatric disorders. Although the results, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, mimicked previous research in showing a strong relationship between marijuana use and other substance abuse disorders, the ndings in regards to psychiatric disorders were much di erent. e study showed no relationship between marijuana use and increased instances of mood and anxiety disorders, only substance abuse disorders. But despite the lack of a connection, researchers still cautioned against public policy that could lead to increased marijuana use. “ e lack of association between more frequent cannabis use with increased risk of most mood and anxiety disorders does not diminish the important public health signi cance of the association between cannabis use and increased prevalence and incidence of drug and alcohol use disorders,” the authors wrote.
“I think it’s important for people to be aware that there are certain behaviors that come with speci c risks.” -Dr. Renee Goodwin
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