Medical Cannabis for Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Dutch Veterans: A Health Care Evaluation

Medical Research Archives, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 11(11)

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

Introduction: Medical cannabis has emerged as a promising treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), particularly among veterans. Given the high prevalence of PTSD in this population and limited availability effective therapeutic options, medical garnered increased interest. However, evidence remains scarce endorsing its efficacy patients' experiences with treatment. Method: To gain more insight into cannabis, we interviewed 18 Dutch veterans diagnosed chronic who were prescribed off-label symptom relief at an outpatient clinic Military Mental Health Service. The interviews recorded transcribed verbatim, followed by framework analysis thematic coding. Results: A group patients turned to alternative traditional treatments due persistent symptoms iof PTSD. Of these, 15 continued using Bediol strain, primarily before bedtime aid sleep. They reported significant improvements, including peace mind reduced irritability. Although expressed satisfaction, they often asked assistance dosage reimbursement. Despite initial reservations from some family members, there was notable support, signaling changing perception through education. few still faced lingering stigma. Through analysis, five overarching themes identified: (1) assessment phase, (2) intervention (3) termination (4) access availability, (5) social support. Conclusion: Based on data collected, advocate prescription most positive effects, alleviation core like sleep disturbances, irritability, hyperarousal. Secondly, recommend reimbursement impacts, many potential financial hardship if halted. Furthermore, propose appointment coach provide patient-centered care. Reliable information use is challenging access, proper use, dosage, cannabidiol (CBD) Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ratio, timing administration, essential ensure optimal benefits minimize risks. Lastly, emphasize necessity further research, longitudinal studies randomized controlled trials, explore individualized approaches that work best under specific conditions. Greater clarity dosages product selection also confusion over- or under-consumption Overall, these recommendations can guide advancement veterans, enhancing patient outcomes paving way evidence-based practices.

Language: Английский

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From Enchantment to Disillusion: A Narrative Exploration of Cannabis Use Disorder Among Young Israeli Combat Veterans

Frontiers in Psychiatry, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: June 18, 2021

Introduction: Substance use is common among military personnel and war veterans, especially combat veterans. Despite substantially high prevalence of cannabis Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) consistently reported little known about psychological factors which may underlie CUD this population. Methods: In study, we used narrative analysis in order to interpret retrospective in-depth interviews veterans ( N = 12) who were released from mandatory duty during the past 5 years currently qualified for a diagnosis CUD. Participants recruited larger quantitative study eligible participation if they screened positive according Identification Test- Revised (CUDIT-R) questionnaire. was validated in-person using section Alcohol Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-5 (AUDADIS-5) interview protocol. All transcribed coded content procedure. Findings: Five main themes extracted: (a) Traumatic events (b) Attitudes toward (c) Combatant identity (d) The role authority/father figures, (e) Moral crisis. A meta-theme has been identified, “from enchantment disillusion,” representing gradual shift hopeful, highly motivated stance into current state mental rupture moral injury, are unsuccessfully compensated by excessive cannabis. Conclusions: This shed light on etiology young highlighting supposed self-medication trauma sense betrayal.

Language: Английский

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Prevalence and Correlates of Cannabis Use among U.S. Veterans during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Military Medicine, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 189(5-6), P. e1230 - e1239

Published: Sept. 16, 2023

ABSTRACT Introduction Military veterans are at increased risk of substance use disorders. Limited research is available about veterans’ cannabis (CU) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study estimated prevalence past 30-day CU, investigated individual-level correlates and evaluated reasons (medical, recreational, or both) CU among U.S. Veterans second wave COVID-19 Materials Methods We used population-based, cross-sectional data from 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Marijuana Use model. The sample included nationally representative military aged 18+ years (n = 11,167). outcome was CU. Individual-level demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, clinical were examined. Analyses weighted to account for survey’s complex design with results generalizable nearly 2.9 million veterans. conducted descriptive statistics, estimates, multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results Out veterans, 11.1% self-reported as non-Hispanic Black, 3.7% Hispanic, 79.1% White; 88.5% men, 72.8% 50+ years. About 14.6% current tobacco smokers, 4.7% e-cigarette users, 12.5% binge alcohol drinkers, 43.4% had three more comorbid conditions. Overall, 8.5% reported in 30 days, which 30.4% it medical 25.8% nonmedical reasons. decreased age, education, income level. Compared their counterparts, odds greater those living urban areas, frequent mental distress, infrequent physical who least one condition. Non-Hispanic Black 89% (adjusted ratio [AOR] =1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-3.0) compared White Current smokers 3.54 (95% CI, 2.40-5.24) former 1.78 1.28-2.47) times higher reporting than never smokers. (AOR 3.37, 2.20-5.16) drinking 3.18, 2.29-4.41) also statistically significantly associated no drinking. Conclusions prevalent certain subgroups Thus, identifying high-risk adequately educating them CU’s benefits, risks, safety crucial.

Language: Английский

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Assessing invariance of cannabis use motives by veteran status and binary gender identity among college students

Military Psychology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 34(6), P. 754 - 761

Published: March 2, 2022

Student service members/veterans (SSM/V) are distinct from non-veteran students in a variety of ways, including their cannabis use patterns and potentially motives for use. Additionally, previous research has shown that men women endorse different The present study was designed to assess whether popular measure is invariant across veteran status gender identity. Based on research, we hypothesized would show invariance SSM/V men, women, (n = 1,011, 553) among those who indicated using at least once lifetime. Results the four-group testing procedure revealed metric invariance. This suggests while factor structure loadings invariant, there differences intercept level groups. same items load onto latent constructs strength loading factors also demonstrated implications clients. As this scale brief, it could easily be used as screening tool or guide intervention content.

Language: Английский

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