Cannabis as a substitute for alcohol
A new study by a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley, USA, is pointing to cannabis substitution in place of more harmful drugs as a way of combating substance misuse.
Amanda Reiman from the University carried out the study at Berkeley Patient's Group, a medical cannabis dispensary. The study is published on BioMed Central's open access Harm Reduction Journal and the press release details the results of Reiman's work.
The research found that 65% of people reported using cannabis as a substitute because it has less adverse side effects than alcohol, illicit or prescription drugs, 34% because it has less withdrawal potential and 57.4% because cannabis provides better symptom management.
According to the article, this research suggests that through various patterns, individuals are making personal decisions about alcohol and drug substitution. Forty percent of the people in the sample have used cannabis as a substitute for alcohol, 26% as a substitute for illicit drugs and 66% as a substitute for prescription drugs.
As Reiman said, "This brings up two important points. First, self-determination, the right of an individual to decide which treatment or substance is most effective and least harmful for them. Secondly, the recognition that substitution might be a viable alternative to abstinence for those who can't or won't completely stop using psychoactive substances".
The results of the study prompted Reiman to suggest that substituting cannabis as a 'radical alcohol treatment protocol' is an approach that 'could be used to address heavy alcohol use in the British Isles - people might substitute cannabis, a potentially safer drug than alcohol with less negative side-effects, if it were socially acceptable and available'.
The conclusion of the study calls for more research on the possibilities for substitution in the field of addiction and Reiman believes that the public support for legalisation of recreational use as well for medicinal purposes will mean increased support to this end and 'the removal of current barriers to conducting such research, such as the Schedule I/Class B status of marijuana'.
Sources:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-11/bc-ict112709.php
http://www.harmreductionjournal.com/imedia/8591415073096942_article.pdf?...
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Comments
Denial is common amongst addicts who love their addiction
I agree with the first comment. Addiction is a psychological dysfunction and an unhealthy coping strategy. Substituting one object of addiction for another is not a sensible treatment method.
I often hear people saying that cannabis is not actually addictive, people can only become psychologically dependent on it but in fact, all addictions are psychological in essence. I live in a hippy community in northern NSW and I've heard poeple use that argument all the time "I not addicted, I can give up any time", some been smoking it for 20 years +, lost their kids, jobs, health, self respect but still smoking.
Irresponsible &Entirely ignorant of addictive behaviour patterns
I think it is really irresponsible to encourage substitution of one drug for another. It is not right to give more 'options' to addicts - the only viable option should be get clean. Totally clean. Addicts will often use anything available as justification for them to carry on their addictive behaviour patterns and self-destructive actions. This is just adding fuel to their cause. Suggesting cannabis as a replacement for alcohol is like switching a hammer to the head with a saucepan -You're still bashing your head in, just in a slightly different manner.