Does trait mindfulness level affect quitting cannabis use? A six week follow-up study

Abstract

IntroductionCannabis use has proliferated since ancient times. It is currently the most commonly used illicit drug that affects human psychological health. Many clinical trials have shown that cannabis is a gateway drug to use of other substances and has comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders, especially schizophrenia [1][2][3][4][5][6] . The psychosocial treatment models for cannabis dependence include motivational enhancement therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management for adults.In addition, brief strategic family therapy, family behavior therapy, family support network intervention and community reinforcement approach counseling, functional family therapy, multidimensional family therapy, and multisystemic therapy are other psychosocial treatment models for youths 7 .Only 29% of cannabis dependent individuals seek treatment 8 , yet significant decreases in cannabis use are seen in 31-36% of individuals that seek treatment 9,10 . Follow-up studies have found that over 60% in substance use disorders end in relapse, leading to potentially chronic and relapsing cases [11][12][13] . Treatment models have been developed to prevent relapse. However, clinical data has shown that treatments used in substance use disorders provide far from satisfactory results 14 . Although cognitive behavioral therapy 15 shows significant short-term effects on many substance users, 50-70% relapse ratio is still a serious problem of this therapy model 16 . New and effective therapies should be researched in order to increase the success of relapse prevention treatments 15 .In 2004, Hayes 17 described the third wave of cognitive behavioral therapies 17 as mindfulness-based therapies; new research and applications using mindfulness concepts are being developed for substance use disorders 18 . Although there are multiple definitions, mindfulness is commonly defined as the capacity to place one's attention and focus on the present moment in a non-judgmental, non-reactive, and compassionate manner [19][20][21][22] . Mindfulness has been described as a capacity that is present since birth and that Does trait mindfulness level affect quitting cannabis use? A six week follow-up study AbstractBackground: Only 29% of cannabis dependent individuals seek treatment, yet significant decreases in cannabis use are seen in 31-36% of individuals that seek treatment. Follow-up studies have found that over 60% in substance use disorders end in relapse, leading to potentially chronic and relapsing cases. New and effective therapies should be researched in order to increase the success of relapse prevention treatments. Objective: In this study we aimed to evaluate the relationship between trait mindfulness level, substance dependence severity and quitting cannabis use. Methods: A hundred and sixty four patients, diagnosed with cannabis dependence, were involved in the study; socidemographic datas were recorded and Addiction Profile Index (API), Mindfuness Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS) were carried out. Results: We found t...

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