Use of Opioids + Cannabis Tied to Poorer Mental Health

Adults who take prescription opioids for severe chronic pain are more likely to have increased anxiety, depression, and substance abuse issues if they also use cannabis, according to a study published in the July/August issue of the Journal of Addiction Medicine.

Andrew H. Rogers, from the University of Houston, and colleagues examined the use of opioids alone versus opioid and cannabis co-use among 450 surveyed adults with moderate-to-severe pain for at least three months. Differences in mental health, pain, and substance use outcomes were evaluated.

The researchers found that significantly more women reported opioid-only use than men. Compared with co-use, respondents reporting opioid-only use were significantly older. Opioid and cannabis co-use was associated with elevated anxiety and depression symptoms compared with opioid use alone. Co-use was also associated with tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, and sedative use problems but was not associated with pain experience.

"These findings highlight a vulnerable population of polysubstance users with chronic pain, and [indicate] the need for more comprehensive assessment and treatment of chronic pain," the authors write.

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