Table 5 Cannabis withdrawal syndrome study treatment
Study name | Study type and design | Treatment/intervention | Level of evidence* | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 Zvolensky J [39]. | Retrospective—cohort study | - Cannabis use problem, withdrawal symptoms, and self-efficacy for quitting | 2b | - The difficulties in quitting cannabis consumption are related to greater withdrawal symptoms, more cannabis use problems, and lower self-efficacy for quitting |
2016 John F [37]. | Prospective—cohort study | - Twelve-step facilitation method (MET and CBT), marijuana anonymous meeting | 1b | - Anonymous meetings improve abstinence in cannabis users - Twelve-step facilitation therapy decreases cannabis relapse and strengthens adherence to treatment |
2016 Herrmann S [35]. | Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial | - Zolpidem alone (12.5 mg) and zolpidem (12.5 mg) associated with nabilone (3 mg twice a day) | 1b | - Zolpidem and nabilone each decrease cannabis withdrawal-related sleep disruption, but only a combination of both molecules alleviates global symptoms of withdrawal and decreased self-administration of active cannabis |
2014 Irons G [40]. | Prospective—cohort study | - Physical activity | 1b | - Low level of physical activity is associated with a higher risk of relapse into cannabis consumption during the week following a quit attempt compared to a moderate/high level of physical activity |
2014 Allsop J [34]. | Double-blind randomized clinical inpatient trial | - 6-day regimen of nabiximols | 1b | - Nabiximols improves cannabis withdrawal symptoms (cravings, irritability and depression) and abstinence in the short term but not in the long term |
2011 Vandrey R [41]. | Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial | - Zolpidem alone | 1b | - Zolpidem alone can attenuate sleep disruption associated with cannabis withdrawal |
2012 Mason J [36]. | Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial | - Gabapentin 1200 mg/day | 1b | - Gabapentin 1200 mg/day with an acceptable safety profile and no evidence of dependence has a significant effect on decreasing cannabis use and withdrawal symptoms |
2011 Frances R [33]. | Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial | - Dronabinol 20 mg twice a day for 8 weeks and tapered off over 2 weeks | 1b | - Treatment retention was significantly higher and withdrawal symptoms were significantly lower on dronabinol than on placebo |
2010 Budney J [38]. | Systematic review | - CBT, MET, and CM | 1a | - Behaviorally based interventions such as MET, CBT, and CM can help individuals to change their problematic use of cannabis |
2007 Budney J [31]. | Prospective—cohort study | - Daily doses of placebo, 30mg (10 mg/tid), or 90 mg (30 mg/tid) oral THC | 1b | - In a dose-responsive manner oral THC reduces cannabis withdrawal symptoms |
2004 Haney M [32]. | Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial | - Daily oral THC capsules (10 mg) | 1b | - Oral THC decreases symptoms and cravings associated with cannabis withdrawal (anxiety, misery, chills, self-reported sleep disturbance, anorexia, and weight loss). |