Among Heavy Cannabis Users, Depression and Suicidal Behavior Were Linked to Parental Alcoholism, Not Cannabis Itself
A study of 119 heavy cannabis users seeking treatment found high rates of depression (46%), suicidal ideation (42%), and suicidal behavior (23%), but these were predicted by parental alcoholism and adverse childhood experiences rather than by cannabis or other drug use.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Researchers assessed 119 heavy cannabis users recruited from 19 substance treatment centers in Denmark. Depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior were highly prevalent: 46% had lifetime depression, 42% reported suicidal ideation, and 23% had engaged in suicidal behavior.
These problems were more common among females and were significantly associated with adverse childhood experiences and parental alcoholism. Critically, comorbid alcohol or other drug use did not independently increase the risk.
Parental alcoholism remained significantly associated with depression (P < 0.009), suicidal ideation (P < 0.001), and suicidal behavior (P < 0.03) even after adjusting for multiple potential confounders. Physical abuse during childhood independently predicted suicidal ideation (P < 0.01).
Key Numbers
119 heavy cannabis users from 19 treatment centers. Depression: 46%. Suicidal ideation: 42%. Suicidal behavior: 23%. Parental alcoholism predicted: depression (P < .009), suicidal ideation (P < .001), suicidal behavior (P < .03). Physical abuse predicted suicidal ideation (P < .01).
How They Did This
Cross-sectional study of 119 subjects from 19 Danish substance treatment centers. Structured questionnaires and SCAN psychiatric assessment, Beck Depression Inventory, Addiction Severity Index, CIDI, and AUDIT administered.
Why This Research Matters
This study suggests that the high rates of depression and suicidality seen among heavy cannabis users may be driven more by childhood adversity and family factors than by cannabis use itself. This has implications for treatment: addressing underlying trauma and family history may be more important than focusing solely on cannabis cessation.
The Bigger Picture
The finding that family and childhood factors, rather than substance use itself, predicted mental health problems in heavy cannabis users supports a more nuanced understanding of co-occurring disorders. It suggests shared risk factors drive both cannabis use and mental health problems rather than one causing the other.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Treatment-seeking population may not represent all heavy cannabis users. Cross-sectional design cannot establish causation. Self-reported childhood experiences may be affected by current mental state (depressed individuals may recall more negative experiences). The sample was entirely from Denmark.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would addressing childhood trauma in cannabis treatment programs improve outcomes?
- ?Does parental alcoholism create genetic vulnerability, environmental risk, or both for cannabis users' mental health problems?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Parental alcoholism, not cannabis use, predicted depression and suicidality in heavy users
- Evidence Grade:
- Cross-sectional study from multiple treatment centers with standardized psychiatric assessment. Identifies important predictors but cannot establish causation.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2007. Research on childhood adversity and substance use has expanded substantially, generally supporting the role of early-life factors.
- Original Title:
- Parental alcoholism predicts suicidal behavior in adolescents and young adults with cannabis dependence.
- Published In:
- International journal of adolescent medicine and health, 19(1), 67-77 (2007)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00259
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does heavy cannabis use cause depression and suicidal thoughts?
In this study, the depression and suicidality seen in heavy cannabis users were predicted by parental alcoholism and childhood adversity rather than by cannabis or other drug use. This suggests shared risk factors rather than cannabis directly causing these mental health problems.
How common is depression among heavy cannabis users?
In this treatment-seeking sample, 46% had lifetime depression, 42% reported suicidal ideation, and 23% had engaged in suicidal behavior. These rates are much higher than the general population but appear driven by childhood and family factors.
Read More on RethinkTHC
- cannabis-dependence-physical-psychological-addiction-science
- cannabis-perception-vs-evidence-gap
- cannabis-use-disorder-test
- cross-addiction-quit-weed-start-drinking
- is-weed-addictive
- is-weed-addictive-science
- quitting-weed-and-alcohol
- rehab-for-weed-addiction-necessary
- signs-of-cannabis-use-disorder
- weed-vape-pen-addiction
- thc-and-ssris-cannabis-antidepressants
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00259APA
Arendt, Mikkel; Sher, Leo; Fjordback, Lone; Brandholdt, Jack; Munk-Jorgensen, Povl. (2007). Parental alcoholism predicts suicidal behavior in adolescents and young adults with cannabis dependence.. International journal of adolescent medicine and health, 19(1), 67-77.
MLA
Arendt, Mikkel, et al. "Parental alcoholism predicts suicidal behavior in adolescents and young adults with cannabis dependence.." International journal of adolescent medicine and health, 2007.
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Parental alcoholism predicts suicidal behavior in adolescent..." RTHC-00259. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/arendt-2007-parental-alcoholism-predicts-suicidal
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.