Daily marijuana users with past alcohol problems drank 52% more during marijuana abstinence
Among 28 daily marijuana users, those with a history of alcohol problems increased alcohol consumption by 52% during marijuana abstinence, while those without alcohol history showed no change.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Twenty-eight daily marijuana users who were not trying to quit completed three phases: 8 days of normal use, 13 days of verified marijuana abstinence, and 7 days of return to normal use.
Overall, marijuana abstinence did not produce a significant increase in alcohol consumption. However, having a past diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence was a powerful moderator.
Participants with past alcohol problems increased alcohol consumption by 52% during marijuana abstinence. Those without alcohol history showed only a 3% increase. Increases in marijuana withdrawal discomfort and alcohol craving during abstinence both correlated with greater alcohol consumption.
No increases in cigarettes, caffeine, or other illicit drugs were observed during marijuana abstinence.
Key Numbers
28 daily marijuana users. Past alcohol problems group: 52% alcohol increase during abstinence. No alcohol history group: 3% increase. No increases in cigarettes, caffeine, or other drugs.
How They Did This
Within-subjects prospective study of 28 daily marijuana users through three phases: 8-day baseline (normal use), 13-day marijuana abstinence (verified by urine testing twice weekly), and 7-day return-to-baseline. Daily self-report of all substance use.
Why This Research Matters
This was one of the first studies to provide empirical evidence for drug substitution among marijuana users, finding it occurred specifically in a subgroup with previous alcohol problems rather than universally.
The Bigger Picture
The finding that drug substitution occurred only in a specific subgroup suggested that treatment programs should pay particular attention to alcohol use in marijuana users who have a history of alcohol problems.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Small sample size (28 participants). Participants were not seeking treatment, so results may differ in clinical populations. Self-reported substance use aside from urine-verified marijuana abstinence.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would this substitution pattern also appear in people seeking marijuana treatment?
- ?Does treating marijuana dependence require concurrent alcohol monitoring in at-risk individuals?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 52% alcohol increase during marijuana abstinence (in those with alcohol history)
- Evidence Grade:
- Small prospective within-subjects study with verified abstinence but limited sample size.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2010. Research on substance substitution patterns has continued.
- Original Title:
- Daily marijuana users with past alcohol problems increase alcohol consumption during marijuana abstinence.
- Published In:
- Drug and alcohol dependence, 106(2-3), 111-8 (2010)
- Authors:
- Peters, Erica N(8), Hughes, John R(6)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00442
Evidence Hierarchy
Enrolls participants and follows them forward in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Do people drink more when they stop using marijuana?
In this study, only people with a prior history of alcohol problems drank more during marijuana abstinence (52% increase). Those without alcohol history did not increase drinking.
Did people substitute other drugs for marijuana?
No. Only alcohol increased, and only in the subgroup with past alcohol problems. Cigarettes, caffeine, and other illicit drugs did not increase during marijuana abstinence.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00442APA
Peters, Erica N; Hughes, John R. (2010). Daily marijuana users with past alcohol problems increase alcohol consumption during marijuana abstinence.. Drug and alcohol dependence, 106(2-3), 111-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.07.027
MLA
Peters, Erica N, et al. "Daily marijuana users with past alcohol problems increase alcohol consumption during marijuana abstinence.." Drug and alcohol dependence, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.07.027
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Daily marijuana users with past alcohol problems increase al..." RTHC-00442. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/peters-2010-daily-marijuana-users-with
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.