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-based online article, Patterns of Cannabis and Alcohol Co-Use created by Rachel L. Gunn et al in 2022.
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.
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.
Recommended For
Counselors, addiction specialists, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers. This course is appropriate for all levels of knowledge.
Course Objectives:
After taking this course, you should be able to:
Understand the Dual Effects of Cannabis on Alcohol Use – Differentiate between the substitution and complementary hypotheses regarding cannabis' impact on alcohol consumption.
Identify Mechanisms Influencing Co-Use – Explore pharmacological, behavioral, and social factors that determine whether cannabis serves as a substitute or complement to alcohol.
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.
Availability
This course is available starting Mar 13th, 2025 and expires Mar 12th, 2035
Disclosure to Learners
Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships
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.
Commercial support
There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.
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