Negative Self-Beliefs After Trauma Drive Cannabis Cravings

Elevated posttraumatic cognitions were significantly associated with increased state cravings to use cannabis to cope (β=.19, p=.025). Of the three types of posttraumatic cognitions, only negative cognitions about the self predicted increased cravings (β=.19, p=.024); self-blame and negative world views did not.

Experimental design with 56 trauma-exposed cannabis users (58.9% female, mean age 20.69). Participants self-reported posttraumatic cognitions and cannabis frequency, received a PTSD diagnostic assessment, then underwent trauma script-driven imagery. Cannabis coping cravings measured before and after trauma cue exposure.

Identifying that self-directed negative thoughts specifically drive cannabis coping cravings provides a clear therapeutic target. Clinicians can focus on challenging negative self-beliefs to reduce problematic cannabis use in trauma survivors.

This refines our understanding of why trauma survivors turn to cannabis. It's not generalized negativity or world-weariness that drives coping use — it's specifically how people feel about themselves after trauma. This suggests cognitive therapy targeting self-perception could reduce cannabis dependence.

Small sample (56 participants). Predominantly white. Lab setting with scripted imagery may not reflect real-world triggers. Cross-sectional cravings (not actual use measured). Young adult college sample may not generalize to older trauma survivors.