Perceived Barriers to Quitting Cannabis Were Linked to Worse Problems and Lower Confidence
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would specifically addressing perceived barriers improve cessation outcomes?
- ?Which specific barriers are most impactful?
- ?Do barriers differ across demographic groups?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Perceived barriers showed strong associations with cannabis problems (beta=0.50) and withdrawal (beta=0.39), suggesting barriers are key intervention targets.
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate - structural equation modeling with a diverse sample, but cross-sectional design.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2018.
- Original Title:
- Perceived barriers for cannabis cessation: Relations to cannabis use problems, withdrawal symptoms, and self-efficacy for quitting.
- Published In:
- Addictive behaviors, 76, 45-51 (2018)
- Authors:
- Zvolensky, Michael J(8), Paulus, Daniel J(2), Garey, Lorra(4), Manning, Kara, Hogan, Julianna B D, Buckner, Julia D, Rogers, Andrew H, Kathryn McHugh, R
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01891
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked 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.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01891APA
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
MLA
Zvolensky, Michael J, et al. "Perceived barriers for cannabis cessation: Relations to cannabis use problems, withdrawal symptoms, and self-efficacy for quitting.." Addictive behaviors, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.07.011
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Perceived barriers for cannabis cessation: Relations to cann..." RTHC-01891. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/zvolensky-2018-perceived-barriers-for-cannabis
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.