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Adolescent Psychiatry

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 2210-6766
ISSN (Online): 2210-6774

New Developments in Understanding and Treating Adolescent Marijuana Dependence

Author(s): Kevin M. Gray

Volume 3, Issue 4, 2013

Page: [297 - 306] Pages: 10

DOI: 10.2174/221067660304140121173215

Price: $65

Abstract

Background: Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance in the United States and worldwide. Marijuana use is a problem of increasing magnitude among adolescents. Use typically begins in adolescence and is associated with a variety of adverse outcomes.

Method: This article will present an overview of trends in marijuana use, and will review the endocannabinoid system and marijuana. It will discuss recent policy developments in US and their implications, especially for adolescents. Existing treatments will be reviewed, including findings from a recent randomized double-blind trial of N-acetylcysteine, a compound that reverses the dysregulation of the glutamate system that occurs in substance dependence.

Conclusions: The core treatment approaches include psychosocial interventions, sometimes in combination with each other. While a reduction in days of use is often achieved with most of these approaches, abstinence is a much more elusive goal. The evidence base for effective treatments remains inadequate especially with regard to adolescents, and there is an urgent need for more research in this area. Promising new treatments include N-acetylcysteine in conjunction with contingency management.

Keywords: Adolescents, marijuana use disorders, marijuana dependence, cannabis dependence, treatment, N-acetylcysteine.


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