Going California Sober: Study Indicates Marijuana Could Assist in Reducing Alcohol Intake
Emerging research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method might substantially help individuals reduce their drink consumption.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Setting
A team of Brown University carried out a novel study where participants were provided with cannabis cigarettes to consume before visiting a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects could choose to consume up to 8 small drinks.
- The trial was conducted on three occasions with varying tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: high potency, 3.1%, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Great care was taken to mimic a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to guarantee participant authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to drink,” explained the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Effects on Drinking
Results showed a notable reduction in alcohol intake after participants used marijuana:
- Alcohol consumption dropped by nineteen percent after consuming moderate-THC marijuana.
- The drop was more pronounced with high-THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease compared to the control.
Broader Context and Additional Studies
Expanded legalization has driven a significant rise in marijuana consumption, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
At the same time, alcohol use is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like weed.
Crucial to note that forty percent of trial subjects met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
While cannabis might be a potential solution to heavy drinking, researchers warn that further research is needed.
“It is premature to tell people in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and substitute cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” a study author noted.