Clinical Topics & Methods Category

Patterns of Cannabis and Alcohol Co-Use

Substitution Versus Complementary Effects

1 CE Hour
546 members have taken this course

Updated 19 days ago. Consider reviewing the exam questions below before taking the exam.

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About the Course

This review explores the co-use of alcohol and cannabis, focusing on whether cannabis acts as a substitute (reducing alcohol use) or a complement (enhancing alcohol consumption). It synthesizes evidence from diverse studies, considering pharmacological, behavioral, and contextual factors influencing co-use patterns. The findings highlight the complexity of the relationship between alcohol and cannabis use, suggesting that individual differences, substance potency, and usage context play crucial roles. The review underscores the need for further research to clarify these patterns and inform prevention and treatment strategies.

This course is based on the reading online article, Patterns of Cannabis and Alcohol Co-Use created by Rachel L. Gunn et al in 2022.

Publication Details

Publication Date: Alcohol Research Feb 2022

Course Material Authors

Course Material Authors authored the material only, and were not involved in creating this CE course. They are identified here for your own evaluation of the relevancy of the material this course is based on.

Rachel L. Gunn

Dr. Rachel L. Gunn is a researcher at the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health. She specializes in substance use research, focusing on cannabis and alcohol interactions. This is her first work published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Elizabeth R. Aston

Dr. Elizabeth R. Aston is a researcher at the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health. She has extensive experience in studying polysubstance use patterns and their consequences. This is her first work published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Course Creator

Tiara Totten

Tiara Totten is a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist and Licensed Professional Counselor with more than nine years of experience working with adolescents and adults utilizing person-centered, motivational interviewing, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral techniques to help individuals achieve optimal wellness. She has extensive experience in individual therapy, group therapy and supervision and is currently working on her PsyD in clinical psychology.

Target Audience

Counselors, addiction specialists, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers. This course is appropriate for all levels of knowledge.

Learning Objectives

After taking this activity, you should be able to:

  1. 1 Understand the Dual Effects of Cannabis on Alcohol Use – Differentiate between the substitution and complementary hypotheses regarding cannabis' impact on alcohol consumption.
  2. 2 Identify Mechanisms Influencing Co-Use – Explore pharmacological, behavioral, and social factors that determine whether cannabis serves as a substitute or complement to alcohol.
  3. 3 Analyze Implications for Public Health and Treatment – Evaluate the implications of cannabis and alcohol co-use for substance use treatment, policy-making, and harm reduction efforts.

Disclosure to Learners

CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity – including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).

The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and the reviewer:

Planners and Reviewers

The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.

Material Authors

Any relevant financial disclosures for course material authors can be found in the article.

Course Creator

Tiara Totten – None to report.

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There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.

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Course Material

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Course Details

1 CE Hour
Reading Online
Course 103722

Profession Group

  • Behavioral Health

Related Topics

Alcohol Marijuana

Availability

This course is available until Mar 12th, 2035.

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