If you smoke pot and drink, this study suggests a real risk
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Version 0 of 1. The factors that drive people to abuse alcohol vary from person to person. Genetics, psychological issues and lifestyle factors can all play a role. Might marijuana use be one of those factors? THIS STUDY analyzed data on 29,582 adults. None had an alcohol problem before the first time they used marijuana. At the start of the study, 1 percent of those who had no alcohol-related issues had used marijuana; 22 percent of those who did have an alcohol problem, such as abuse, dependence or addiction, had used marijuana. Over the next three years, people who had no alcohol issues at the start were more than five times as likely to develop an alcohol problem if they used marijuana in those years as were those who avoided marijuana. Those who started the study with alcohol issues were more likely to be in recovery if they did not use marijuana in those three years than were people who did use the drug. WHO MAY BE AFFECTED? Adults who use or are considering using marijuana. Recent studies have found that about 1 in 10 adults in the United States use marijuana. The drug, which is legal in a few jurisdictions, can be smoked or added to food.Marijuana produces varied reactions; some users feel relaxed, silly, happy or sleepy, while others feel nervous or afraid. Use of the drug can cloud thinking and affect memory, at least in the short term. Some people find it addictive. CAVEATS Information on marijuana and alcohol use came from the participants, which the study’s authors said “may have led to underreporting of substance use, especially for illegal substances.” Data on frequency of use was not available. FIND THIS STUDY Feb. 11 online issue of Drug and Alcohol Dependence (drugandalcoholdependence.com; click “Articles & Issues,” then “Articles in Press”). LEARN MORE ABOUT marijuana at drugabuse.gov (search for “drugfacts marijuana”) and my.clevelandclinic.org (search for “marijuana”). |