Perceived Barriers to Quitting Cannabis Were Linked to Worse Problems and Lower Confidence | Research

The takeaway

Among 145 cannabis users, greater perceived barriers to quitting were uniquely associated with more cannabis use problems, more withdrawal symptoms, and lower self-efficacy for quitting.

Addiction counselors, cannabis users considering quitting, cessation program developers.

Perceived barriers showed strong associations with cannabis problems (beta=0.50) and withdrawal (beta=0.39), suggesting barriers are key intervention targets.

What the researchers found

Structural equation modeling showed perceived barriers for quitting were significantly associated with cannabis use problems (beta=0.50), greater withdrawal symptoms (beta=0.39), and lower self-efficacy for quitting (beta=-0.17). The racially diverse sample (63.4% Black/African American) strengthens generalizability.

Why it matters

Understanding perceived barriers to quitting cannabis can inform more effective cessation interventions. The strong relationship between barriers and both problems and withdrawal suggests that addressing perceived barriers could improve quit outcomes.

The numbers in context

145 cannabis users. 63.4% Black/African American. Barriers-problems beta=0.50. Barriers-withdrawal beta=0.39. Barriers-self-efficacy beta=-0.17. All significant (p<0.001 to p=0.028).

How the study worked

Community-recruited sample of 145 cannabis users completed measures of perceived cessation barriers, cannabis use problems, withdrawal symptoms, and self-efficacy. Structural equation modeling tested relationships.

What this study cannot tell us

Cross-sectional design cannot determine causality. Perceived barriers may be consequences rather than causes of use problems. Community sample may differ from treatment-seeking populations. Self-report measures.

How to read the evidence

Moderate - structural equation modeling with a diverse sample, but cross-sectional design.

When this study was published

Published in 2018.

The bigger picture

Most substance use research focuses on motivation to quit. This study highlights that perceived barriers - practical and psychological obstacles to cessation - may be equally important targets for intervention.

Questions still open

Would specifically addressing perceived barriers improve cessation outcomes? Which specific barriers are most impactful? Do barriers differ across demographic groups?

Common questions

What makes it hard to quit cannabis?

This study found that perceived barriers to quitting were strongly linked to cannabis use problems and withdrawal symptoms, and weakly linked to lower confidence in ability to quit. Addressing specific perceived obstacles may be key to successful cessation.

Does self-confidence matter for quitting cannabis?

Yes. Lower self-efficacy (confidence in ability to quit) was associated with more perceived barriers to cessation. However, cannabis use problems and withdrawal symptoms showed even stronger associations with perceived barriers.

Read the original research

Perceived barriers for cannabis cessation: Relations to cannabis use problems, withdrawal symptoms, and self-efficacy for quitting.

Addictive behaviors, 76, 45-51

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Zvolensky, Michael J; Paulus, Daniel J; Garey, Lorra; Manning, Kara; Hogan, Julianna B D; Buckner, Julia D; Rogers, Andrew H; Kathryn McHugh, R. (2018). Perceived barriers for cannabis cessation: Relations to cannabis use problems, withdrawal symptoms, and self-efficacy for quitting.. Addictive behaviors, 76, 45-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.07.011