Brief report: The influence of childhood trauma on the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in persons with opioid use disorder.
Michael Rogan, Julio C Nunes, Catherine Z Xie, Mehmet Sofuoglu, Brian Pittman, Joao P De Aquino
The American journal on addictions May 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13504 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractGreater childhood trauma is linked to lower aversive effects from higher doses of THC in people being treated with methadone for opioid use disorder. In a placebo-controlled crossover trial with 25 participants, those with more childhood trauma reported fewer negative subjective effects after taking 20 mg of oral THC. This reduced sensitivity to THC's aversive effects may contribute to increased cannabis use among individuals with opioid use disorder. The findings highlight the importance of assessing childhood trauma in opioid use disorder treatment and research.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Post-hoc analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 25 |
| Population | Persons receiving methadone for opioid use disorder |
| Intervention | oral THC |
| Dose | 10, 20 mg |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key finding | Greater childhood trauma was associated with lower aversive effects from a 20 mg dose of THC. |
Abstract
Childhood trauma (CT) increases addiction vulnerability. We examined CT's impact on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) effects. This is a post-hoc analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial investigating the effects of oral THC (10, 20 mg) among 25 persons receiving methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD). Greater CT was associated with lower aversive effects from higher THC doses (20 mg) (p = .006). CT may reduce the subjective aversive effects of THC, potentially leading to greater cannabis use in individuals with OUD. These findings offer insights into THC's risks versus benefits in OUD subgroups and emphasize assessing CT in OUD treatment and research.