Ghafouri, M.; Correa da Costa, S.; Zare Dehnavi, A.; Gold, M.S.; Rummans, T.A. Treatments for Cannabis Use Disorder across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci.2024, 14, 227.
Ghafouri, M.; Correa da Costa, S.; Zare Dehnavi, A.; Gold, M.S.; Rummans, T.A. Treatments for Cannabis Use Disorder across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci. 2024, 14, 227.
Ghafouri, M.; Correa da Costa, S.; Zare Dehnavi, A.; Gold, M.S.; Rummans, T.A. Treatments for Cannabis Use Disorder across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci.2024, 14, 227.
Ghafouri, M.; Correa da Costa, S.; Zare Dehnavi, A.; Gold, M.S.; Rummans, T.A. Treatments for Cannabis Use Disorder across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci. 2024, 14, 227.
Abstract
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a growing public health concern, with rising prevalence and significant impact on individuals across age groups. This systematic review examined pharmacological and psychosocial interventions for CUD among adolescents, young adults, transitioning adults, and older adults. Database searches were conducted for randomized controlled trials of CUD interventions reporting outcomes such as cannabis use, abstinence, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment retention. In total, 53 studies were included. Pharmacological treatments such as cannabinoid agonists, gabapentin, and N-acetylcysteine demonstrated modest benefits predominantly in alleviating withdrawal and craving. Psychosocial approaches including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and contingency management conferred greater abstinence and retention, either alone or combined with pharmacotherapy. However, age-specific efficacy remains unclear. Technology-based interventions represent promising alternatives to expand access and improve cost-effectiveness. In conclusion, cannabis disorders require expanded, affordable treatment tailored to individuals’ developmental stage. Further research should clarify the utility of harm reduction outcomes and establish age-specific best practices.
Keywords
Cannabis Use Disorder; CUD; psychotropic medications; behavioral interventions; substance use disorder
Subject
Medicine and Pharmacology, Psychiatry and Mental Health
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
