Characterization of the pattern of consumption and withdrawal syndrome from dual cannabis and tobacco use

INTERVENTIONCharacterization of the pattern of consumption and withdrawal syndrome from dual cannabis and tobacco use
Characterization of the pattern of consumption and withdrawal syndrome from dual cannabis and tobacco use


Background
Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug in Spain. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the number of visits for treatment of their consumption in drug services. Most cannabis users are also tobacco users and the pattern of dual cannabis-tobacco use is increasingly prevalent in Western countries. However, the characterization of this pattern of consumption and associated withdrawal symptomatology is little identified, among other reasons by the complexity of the routes of use and the multitude of products used to consume both cannabis and tobacco, which hinder the distinctive description of withdrawal symptomatology between the two substances.

Main objective

  • Characterize the dual-consumption pattern cannabis-tobacco (consumption of cannabis, concurrent and/or simultaneously with tobacco products), in people who initiate a process of abandonment or reduction of cannabis.
  • Describe the withdrawal symptom of both substances during the drop-out process, considering the type of consumption and characteristics of people (sex, age, etc.).
  • Identify changes in the cannabis-tobacco consumption pattern and the probability of abstinence in people who initiate treatment for cannabis consumption according to their individual and clinical characteristics.

Methodology
Sequential mixed-method study.

  • Phase I: Qualitative study through homogeneous discussion groups that will allow developing a gamified mobile application.
  • Phase II: Prospective longitudinal study in which people with this disorder will be followed in Centers for Care and Monitoring of Drug Dependences of the province of Barcelona during 2021-2022.
  • Phase III: Qualitative study using homogeneous discussion groups to explore participants’ experiences during the process of abandoning cannabis and/or tobacco.

Duration
3 years (January 2021 – 2024)

Financing
€85,742.6 Plan Nacional sobre Drogas

Principal Investigator and Coordination Centre
Dr Cristina Martínez, Institut Català d’Oncologia (ICO)

Research team

Cristina Martínez, Institut Català d’Oncologia (IP)
Esteve Fernández, Institut Català d’Oncologia
Marcela Fu, Institut Català d’Oncologia
Montse Ballbè, Institut Català d’Oncologia
Ariadna Feliu, Institut Català d’Oncologia
Yolanda Castellano, Institut Català d’Oncologia
Marga Pla, Universitat de Barcelona
Petia Radeva, Universitat de Barcelona
Elena Maestre, Universitat de Barcelona
Carmen Cabezas, Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya
Joan Colom, Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya
Josep Maria Suelves, Agencia de Salud Pública de Cataluña
Silvia Mondon, Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona
Pablo Barrio, Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona
Magalí Andreu, Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona
Antònia Raich, Fundació Althaia
Jordi Bernabeu, Fundació Althaia
Jordi Vilaplana, Universitat de Lleida
Ana Andrés, Universitat Ramon Llull
Xavier Roca, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
Joseph Guydish, University of California San Francisco