Summary
Metrik et al. (2018) investigated daily patterns of marijuana and alcohol co-use among individuals with cannabis and alcohol use disorders (CUD/AUD). Analyzing data from veterans, they found that on marijuana use days, participants were more prone to heavy drinking, especially those with AUD or both AUD/CUD diagnoses. Interestingly, those solely diagnosed with CUD were less likely to engage in heavy drinking on marijuana use days. These findings demonstrated the strong correlation between marijuana use and heavy drinking, especially in those with AUD, highlighting the critical need for alcohol therapies that target marijuana use concurrently as a risk factor for both excessive drinking and AUD.
Mojarrad et al. (2014) conducted a prospective cohort study focusing on individuals with substance dependence, exploring the impact of marijuana use on achieving abstinence from drugs and heavy alcohol use. Analyzing data from a chronic disease management trial, they discovered that among participants with substance dependence, marijuana use correlated with a 27% reduced likelihood of achieving abstinence from drugs and heavy alcohol. These results made it clear that using marijuana at the same time as other drugs was a big problem for people who were trying to stop using their main drugs. This means that clinicians need to pay more attention to dealing with marijuana use in people who are also addicted to other drugs.
What I Learned About the Topic
Research on the co-use of marijuana and alcohol among individuals with cannabis and alcohol use disorders (CUD/AUD) reveals intricate associations. Metrik et al. (2018) illuminated that on days of marijuana use, there is a notable inclination toward heavy drinking, particularly among those diagnosed with AUD or both AUD/CUD. Surprisingly, individuals solely diagnosed with CUD exhibited a reduced tendency for heavy drinking on marijuana use days, emphasizing a nuanced relationship between diagnoses and co-use patterns. In parallel, Mojarrad et al. (2014) uncovered a concerning trend: among individuals grappling with substance dependence, marijuana use hindered achieving abstinence from drugs and heavy alcohol by 27%. This highlighted a significant barrier to abstinence efforts, signaling the need for clinicians to address concurrent marijuana use in those battling other substance dependencies. Collectively, these studies show how complicated the interactions are between marijuana and alcohol, especially when it comes to substance use disorders. This means that different types of diagnoses need different kinds of interventions to deal with the different effects of co-use.
Comparison
To find the sources, I utilized Google Scholar by entering the topic “Daily Patterns of Marijuana and Alcohol Co-Use among Individuals with Alcohol and Cannabis Use Disorders.” After hitting search, I filtered the results for empirical studies, focusing on relevance and publication date. Metrik et al.’s (2018) study emerged, providing insights into daily associations between marijuana and alcohol use among individuals with CUD/AUD. Mojarrad et al.’s (2014) research surfaced through similar steps, delving into marijuana’s impact on achieving abstinence among those with substance dependence.
Distinguishing the two sources, the study by Metrik et al. (2018) followed a structured academic format, delineating their research method, results, and conclusions in a traditional scholarly style. In contrast, the work by Mojarrad et al. (2014) maintained an empirical foundation but appeared less formal, emphasizing practical implications over intricate statistical details. While both studies were published in reputable journals, the research by Metrik et al. (2018) boasted a larger sample size, enhancing its statistical robustness compared to Mojarra et al.’s study, which featured a smaller sample and prioritized practical applications.
Several variables, including sample size, statistical analysis, methodological rigour, and ramifications, affect how credible a scientific study is. Because of several important characteristics, the research conducted by Metrik et al. showed a higher degree of confidence. Firstly, their comprehensive approach encompassed a larger sample size, enhancing the generalizability of their findings. A larger sample often reduces the chances of biases and increases the study’s statistical power. Metrik et al. (2018) have, in addition, carried out comprehensive statistical studies that offer a more nuanced understanding of the connections between alcohol use, marijuana use, and certain diagnostic situations such as CUD/AUD. The study’s reputation within the scientific community is enhanced by the reliability and robustness of its conclusions, which result from the rigorous statistical technique used.
Conversely, while Mojarrad et al.’s study maintained empirical validity and significance, it had certain limitations that impacted its credibility compared to Metrik et al.’s research. Mojarrad et al. (2014) focused more on the practical implications of their findings rather than delving deeply into detailed statistical analyses. Furthermore, their study had a smaller sample size, potentially limiting their conclusions’ generalizability. While valuable in providing applied insights, the emphasis on practical implications might have slightly reduced the study’s scientific credibility regarding comprehensive statistical analysis and generalizability to broader populations.
What I have learned about the research process throughout this semester
This semester, delving into research has highlighted the importance of systematic exploration and critical analysis. It has taught me the significance of refining search queries to target specific information, sifting through diverse sources for credibility, and evaluating each source’s relevance and reliability. Understanding the nuances between various study designs and methodologies and the impact of sample sizes on credibility has been enlightening. Additionally, discerning how different studies contribute to knowledge within a field and recognizing the strengths and limitations of each has been integral to forming a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies and outcomes.
References
Metrik, J., Gunn, R. L., Jackson, K. M., Sokolovsky, A. W., & Borsari, B. (2018). Daily Patterns of Marijuana and Alcohol Co-Use Among Individuals with Alcohol and Cannabis Use Disorders. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 42(6), 1096–1104. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.13639
Mojarrad, M., Samet, J. H., Cheng, D. M., Winter, M. R., & Saitz, R. (2014). Sci-Hub | Marijuana use and achievement of abstinence from alcohol and other drugs among people with substance dependence: A prospective cohort study. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 142, 91–97 | 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.06.006. Sci-Hub.se. https://sci-hub.se/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871614009144
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