addiction

Legal Cannabis Means Cannabis Use Disorder, Says Study – Cannabis | Weed | Marijuana

Published

1 year ago

August 30, 2023

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Legal cannabis in your state means higher rates of cannabis use disorder, says a new study published in JAMA Network Open.

The researchers quizzed 110,000 patients at Kaiser Permanente in Washington State on their attitudes towards cannabis. They asked five thousand of these patients about their cannabis use.

They included in the study only those who consumed in the last 30 days (1,500 people out of the 110,000).

Of course, one’s BS radar goes off right away. Since they only included those who consumed cannabis in the last thirty days, they’ve introduced a bias in estimating how prevalent “cannabis use disorder” is.

They’ve excluded casual and occasional consumers who do not develop “cannabis use disorder” (CUD). By excluding this group, the study can overrepresent individuals with higher cannabis use patterns, giving the illusion of higher rates of CUD.

But that’s not how some “experts” view the study. They think people underreport their cannabis use. Therefore, the study underestimates the prevalence of CUD.

“Science” has become a religion where studies have replaced holy scripture. But just as the Bible or Qur’an won’t provide insight into “cannabis use disorder,” neither does this published study.

Problems with the “Legal Cannabis = CUD” Study

According to this study, legal cannabis in Washington state leads to more cases of cannabis use disorder (CUD). And it’s not just in Washington.

A 2020 meta-analysis of cannabis use in the US, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands, and Germany came to similar conclusions.

22% of cannabis users will develop CUD in their lifetime. CUD rose from 17.7% in Canada before legalization to 24.3% afterward.

But what does this mean? And how accurate is this information?

For example, this recent study out of Washington State oversampled specific subgroups (“racialized” minorities) to “improve” representation. But all they did was limit the study’s findings to populations with similar demographic characteristics.

Consider its other methodological problems.

Sampling Bias: As mentioned, the study’s authors ignored the data that didn’t fit. They’ve overestimated the prevalence of cannabis use disorder (CUD).

Self-Report Bias: This study relies on self-reported data not only for cannabis use but reasons for use. Self-reporting comes with various problems: recall bias, social desirability bias, misclassification, etc.

Cross-Sectional Design: The study employs a cross-sectional design, which may help eliminate bias. However, it does not establish causal relationships. This study can’t determine whether states with legal cannabis will result in higher rates of CUD. It can’t even establish a temporal relationship.

Confounding Variables: The study adjusts for some demographic factors (such as age, sex, and ethnicity), but they ignore socioeconomic status, mental health history, and access to healthcare. All of which would be important in establishing causal relationships between cannabis use and CUD.

Press X To Doubt

This study tells us nothing objectively true about the world – Legal cannabis means higher rates of cannabis use disorder?

One can see the logic. As if there’s a flu virus, and covering your mouth with a cloth will help prevent the spread.

But sometimes, what seems evident isn’t true. The Earth appears flat, but it’s not. And face masks seem like they should work. But they don’t.

Likewise, there’s no causal relationship between legal cannabis and people having trouble controlling their use. Consider this study’s conclusions.

The study discusses the prevalence of cannabis use disorder, but, as mentioned, this is a cross-sectional study. It does not establish causality. The study’s conclusions imply that non-medical use directly causes CUD, but nothing in the actual research confirms it.

They led with their conclusions and threw out data that didn’t fit.

The study’s conclusion that “patients using for non-medical reasons most at risk of moderate to severe CUD” can only be interpreted as a direct causal relationship between cannabis and CUD.

Rather than what it actually is: a correlation influenced by various confounding factors.

Likewise, the study overgeneralizes the findings. What’s true in Washington State may not be true elsewhere. But, as mentioned, other studies worldwide have come to similar conclusions.

So let’s not mince words: there are cannabis consumers out there who want to stop (or slow down, moderate) but feel like they can’t.

So what’s going on here? Is there a cause of CUD? Or perhaps there are reasons for this feeling of “cannabis use disorder.”

Reasons that an individual can discover from thinking clearly. Once they have done so, they can assess their cannabis use habits (contrary to this study’s worldview) from a mindset that doesn’t feel like a “disorder.”

What Is Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)?

Do you use cannabis for sleep? Maybe you don’t even like the feeling of THC. But a little gummy an hour before bed, you’re out like a light for eight hours.

Suppose there’s a cannabis workers’ strike or a hacker has shut down the central distribution centre. Suppose, for whatever reason, you run out of gummies and have to go a couple of nights without them.

You’re probably going to have trouble sleeping. Makes sense, right? According to the “experts” of this study, that’s cannabis use disorder.

Do you enjoy recreational cannabis after work? It’s an excellent way of relaxing and safer than drinking alcohol. Of course, if you make it a habit and then go a day or two without it, you may feel a little irritable. Maybe restless. Even nervous or depressed.

That’s CUD, according to the experts.

By this definition, nearly everybody suffers from “Caffeine Use Disorder.” But, there’s no outcry in the media over coffee consumption (despite its negatives for the brain and body).

Of course, caffeine has its benefits too. The same goes for cannabis. There are costs and benefits only you can determine. Cannabis is a substance without any innate power of its own.

But there’s money and power in perpetuating stereotypes that cannabis is addictive and dangerous. Millions have found relief in medical cannabis. Millions more are discovering its therapeutic attributes.

Peaceful and healthy cannabis consumption threatens not only the bottom line of pharma but also police budgets, public health, and other drug war propagandists.

That’s why we’ve seen an uptick in studies warning about “cannabis use disorder.”

How to Solve Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)

A cannabis habit is just that – a habit. The reported “brain changes” that drugs create are regular changes when you form habits.

Whether it’s smoking cannabis or playing the piano – the brain adapts and changes to make the process easier each time.

Nobody said breaking habits is easy. But are you framing it as a battle for your will? As a disorder or disease of the brain? Or as a preference you freely choose?

The prevalence of CUD is likely to grow as more states legalize cannabis. Not because cannabis is inherently addictive or because it destroys the brains of young people.

None of those things are true. Cannabis is a flower, and flowers can’t overpower your free will.

But when the narrative of “experts” suggests the opposite, those who fall victim to their propaganda will act out what they believe to be true.

In other words, these “public health” experts are causing CUD. Through their attitudes and beliefs, they are creating the very thing they claim to be investigating.

This “cannabis use disorder” study is a testament to that fact.

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Can Psychedelics Treat Addiction and Alcoholism?

Published

2 months ago

September 13, 2024

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Psychedelics, once associated primarily with counterculture and recreational drug use, are now being seriously studied for their therapeutic potential in treating drug addiction and alcoholism. Recent research has shown that substances like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca may have profound benefits for individuals struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and substance use disorders (SUD). These compounds are being reconsidered not only for their ability to induce altered states of consciousness but also for their potential to address addictive behaviors and psychological trauma at the root of addiction.

Psilocybin’s Efficacy in Treating Alcohol Use Disorder

One groundbreaking study, conducted at New York University and Johns Hopkins University, demonstrated the potential of psilocybin in treating Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The researchers focused on individuals with severe AUD, administering two doses of psilocybin in conjunction with psychotherapy. The results were notable: participants reported a 50% reduction in heavy drinking days over an eight-month period, with some maintaining abstinence from alcohol even a year later.

The trial followed a double-blind, randomized approach and found that the therapeutic effects of psilocybin were superior to those observed with placebo treatments. Dr. Michael Bogenschutz, a lead researcher in the study, emphasized the importance of the psychedelic experience itself in breaking the cycle of addiction. Psilocybin appears to help patients break through entrenched mental patterns, often revealing deeper emotional connections and realizations that drive more meaningful behavior change.

How Psychedelics Influence the Brain to Combat Addiction

The mechanism behind the efficacy of psychedelics in treating addiction is thought to involve neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections. By interacting with serotonin 2A receptors, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and default mode network, psychedelics can enable profound shifts in perception and cognition. These altered states of consciousness allow individuals to confront underlying psychological issues, such as trauma or negative emotional patterns, which are often at the core of addictive behaviors.

Many individuals undergoing psychedelic-assisted therapy report experiencing a “reset” of their mental state, facilitating a more open mindset that helps them engage with therapy in a deeper, more effective way. This contrasts with traditional addiction treatments, such as methadone or buprenorphine, which primarily manage withdrawal symptoms but do not address the psychological components of addiction.

LSD and Its Potential in Addiction Treatment

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) has also shown promise in treating addiction, particularly alcoholism. Early studies from the 1950s to the 1970s suggested that LSD might help reduce alcohol dependency, but interest in this line of research waned due to regulatory crackdowns on psychedelic research. However, more recent studies have reignited interest in LSD’s therapeutic potential.

A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology reviewed data from six trials involving over 500 patients. It concluded that a single high dose of LSD, administered in a therapeutic setting, was associated with a significant reduction in alcohol consumption. The study found that LSD’s psychedelic effects could lead to lasting changes in personality traits, such as openness and emotional resilience, which are crucial for overcoming addiction.

Ayahuasca and Addiction Recovery

Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew containing DMT (dimethyltryptamine) and MAO inhibitors, has been the focus of recent studies examining its potential to treat addiction. Researchers have found that ayahuasca’s intense psychoactive properties, combined with its ability to facilitate introspection and emotional healing, may help individuals overcome opioid and stimulant addiction. A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology noted that ayahuasca led to significant improvements in mental health and reductions in addictive behaviors.

Ayahuasca ceremonies, often conducted in a spiritual context, have been shown to promote healing through vivid and sometimes challenging visions. Participants often report gaining insights into the underlying causes of their addiction, leading to long-lasting psychological benefits.

Challenges in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

While the results of these studies are promising, the use of psychedelics in treating addiction is not without challenges. For one, the psychedelic experience itself can be unpredictable, and not all patients experience the profound mystical or emotional breakthroughs associated with positive outcomes. The effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapy appears to be linked to the quality of the therapeutic environment and the expertise of the facilitators, meaning that careful preparation and integration are key to success.

Moreover, while psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD do not appear to be physically addictive, their use must still be carefully regulated to prevent potential psychological risks, such as hallucinations, anxiety, or psychotic episodes in vulnerable individuals. Current research emphasizes the need for controlled settings where trained therapists can guide patients through their psychedelic experiences.

Ongoing Research and Future Directions

Given the promising early results, psychedelic research is entering a new phase, with larger clinical trials currently underway. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently allocated $2.4 million to explore the use of psychedelics in treating methamphetamine addiction, further solidifying the role of psychedelics in addiction therapy. Similarly, ongoing studies are looking into psilocybin’s potential to treat opioid addiction and cocaine dependence, conditions that have been notoriously difficult to treat with conventional methods.

As research progresses, it is likely that psilocybin, LSD, and other psychedelics will become more widely recognized as effective tools for addiction treatment. While more research is needed to fine-tune these therapies and better understand their long-term effects, early indications are that psychedelics could revolutionize addiction and alcoholism treatments in the coming decades.

Conclusion

Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca are emerging as potential breakthrough therapies for treating drug addiction and alcoholism. By promoting neuroplasticity and addressing the psychological roots of addiction, these substances offer an alternative to traditional addiction treatments, which often focus on managing symptoms rather than curing the disease. With ongoing research and increasing clinical trials, psychedelic-assisted therapy may become an essential tool in the fight against substance use disorders, offering hope to millions of people who struggle with addiction, such as alcoholism.

Sources

Johns Hopkins Medicine: Psychedelics in Addiction Treatment
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research on Psychedelics
Frontiers in Pharmacology: Ayahuasca for Addiction Recovery
JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery

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The Evolving Opioid Crisis in Europe: Heroin and Synthetic Threats

Published

2 months ago

September 12, 2024

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The opioid crisis in Europe is growing in complexity, with heroin continuing to dominate the market while synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and its analogs, emerge as potent new threats. The 2024 EU Drug Markets Report, released by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and Europol, provides a comprehensive analysis of the heroin and synthetic opioid market, detailing the health risks, evolving trafficking routes, and potential future challenges.

Heroin in Decline? Why Synthetic Opioids Pose a New Threat in Europe

Heroin’s Ongoing Impact in Europe

Heroin remains the most commonly used illicit opioid in Europe, with an estimated 1 million high-risk opioid users. The European heroin market is valued at over €5.2 billion annually, indicating the persistent demand for this drug. In 2021, EU countries seized 9.5 tonnes of heroin, the largest quantity in 20 years. These figures underscore the strong presence of heroin in Europe, despite the introduction of harm reduction programs aimed at curbing opioid use.

The health consequences of heroin use are severe. In 2021, opioids were responsible for three-quarters of Europe’s 6,000 drug-related overdose deaths, with heroin being a leading factor. Long-term users are aging, adding complexity to public health strategies, as older opioid users present with more chronic health problems.

Afghanistan’s Opium Ban: Future Implications for Heroin Supply

Nearly all heroin consumed in Europe is derived from opium produced in Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan’s opium production has seen a dramatic decline following the Taliban’s 2022 ban on poppy cultivation, which led to a 95% reduction in production by 2023. While the immediate impact on heroin availability in Europe has been minimal, the report warns that a sustained ban could lead to future heroin shortages. Such shortages could open the door for synthetic opioids to dominate the market.

The decline in Afghan opium cultivation from 233,000 hectares in 2022 to just 10,800 hectares in 2023 has raised concerns about the future of heroin availability in Europe. Should the Taliban continue to enforce the ban, experts believe the resulting heroin scarcity could increase the use of more potent and dangerous synthetic opioids, exacerbating the public health crisis.

The Rise of Synthetic Opioids: Fentanyl and its Analogues

Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are becoming more prevalent in the European drug market. These substances are far more potent than heroin, and even small doses can lead to fatal overdoses. The 2024 report highlights how these synthetic opioids are contributing to a growing number of overdose deaths and hospital emergencies across Europe. In countries such as Estonia and Sweden, fentanyl is responsible for a significant proportion of drug-related deaths.

Fentanyl analogs are particularly concerning because they can be mixed with other drugs like heroin or cocaine, often without the user’s knowledge. The increasing presence of these synthetic opioids is a major public health concern, as traditional harm reduction measures, such as naloxone distribution and needle exchange programs, are less effective against these more potent substances.

Changing Trafficking Routes and Criminal Networks

Traffickers are increasingly adapting their methods in response to heightened enforcement measures and geopolitical developments. The traditional Balkan route, which brings heroin through Turkey and Bulgaria into Europe, has seen increased enforcement and stricter border controls, prompting traffickers to shift towards alternative routes.

The Southern route is becoming more prominent, with significant heroin shipments passing through Iran and Pakistan before reaching Europe via major seaports. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a key transshipment hub for heroin, providing both logistical support and avenues for money laundering. Meanwhile, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has prompted criminal networks to modify their trafficking routes, further complicating law enforcement efforts.

Public Health and Harm Reduction Efforts

Harm reduction strategies have had some success in mitigating the impact of opioid use in Europe. Programs such as opioid substitution therapy (OST) and needle exchange have helped reduce the number of new users injecting heroin, thereby lowering the risks of HIV and hepatitis C transmission. However, the growing prevalence of synthetic opioids poses new challenges. These potent drugs often require stronger overdose prevention measures, such as fentanyl test strips and more widespread access to naloxone, an opioid antagonist used to reverse overdoses.

Additionally, the report notes the importance of expanding data collection and improving early warning systems to monitor emerging trends in opioid use and trafficking. These systems allow public health authorities and law enforcement to respond more quickly to new synthetic opioids entering the market.

Challenges in Treating Opioid Addiction

Treatment for opioid addiction, particularly heroin, is evolving. Europe’s aging population of opioid users presents new challenges, as older users are more likely to have complex medical conditions. Many long-term users require not just drug treatment but also social support and healthcare for chronic conditions related to long-term substance use. Furthermore, gender-specific issues are emerging, as women who use opioids face more barriers to accessing treatment and are more likely to present with co-occurring psychological or social issues.

Conclusion

The opioid crisis in Europe is evolving, with heroin still posing a significant threat to public health, while synthetic opioids like fentanyl are emerging as an even more dangerous force. The reduction in Afghan opium production and the shifting trafficking routes complicate the landscape further. To tackle this complex issue, Europe must continue to invest in harm reduction, international cooperation, and early warning systems to prevent more overdose deaths and manage the changing face of the opioid market. Without a coordinated response, Europe risks facing an even more devastating public health crisis in the coming years.

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Who Are Eating Dogs and Cats?

Published

2 months ago

September 11, 2024

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The fact that some people are eating dogs and cats is a highly sensitive topic that crosses cultural, social, and ethical boundaries. In many regions, these animals are consumed due to cultural traditions and necessity, while in other cases, drug-induced behavior may lead individuals to engage in extreme or unusual dietary practices. This article aims to explore the distinction between cultural norms and the desperate, erratic behaviors driven by substance abuse, focusing on the need for cultural sensitivity while addressing harmful behavior.

When Culture Meets Addiction: Who Is Eating Dogs and Cats?

Cultural Practices and the Consumption of Non-Traditional Animals

In some parts of Asia and Africa, the phenomena of eating dogs and cats has historical roots that are tied to both cultural traditions and the availability of resources. In these regions, the eating of non-traditional animals is a normalized practice and is not connected to drug-fueled behavior.

Cultural Normalcy: In regions such as South Korea, China, and Vietnam, dogs have historically been consumed as part of traditional cuisines. This practice is not driven by addiction or desperation but by cultural norms that view these animals as a food source rather than pets.
Food Scarcity: In some communities, especially in impoverished or rural areas, consuming non-traditional animals like dogs or cats is a practical response to food scarcity. The decision to eat these animals is based on survival rather than personal preference or altered judgment.

Drug-Induced Dietary Choices: When Addiction Leads to Extreme Behaviors

In contrast to cultural practices, there are cases where individuals under the influence of drugs engage in extreme or bizarre behaviors, such as eating dogs and cats… This behavior is driven by impaired judgment, psychosis, or desperation caused by addiction, and often occurs in isolated or marginalized communities.

Methamphetamine and Erratic Behavior: Meth users are known to exhibit extreme and irrational behaviors, including eating animals they wouldn’t normally consider food. Meth-induced psychosis can blur the lines between reality and hallucination, leading to bizarre dietary choices such as consuming pets or strays.
Desperation from Heroin Addiction: Heroin addicts, especially those living in extreme poverty, may consume non-traditional animals out of necessity. Chronic malnutrition and impaired judgment, combined with isolation from society, can drive addicts to make choices they wouldn’t otherwise consider.