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. 2022 Sep:132:107344.
doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107344. Epub 2022 Apr 28.

Abstinence phobia among adult African American/Black cannabis users

Michael J Zvolensky  1 , Brooke Y Kauffman  2 , Lorra Garey  3 , Julia D Buckner  4
Affiliations

Abstinence phobia among adult African American/Black cannabis users

Michael J Zvolensky et al. Addict Behav. 2022 Sep.

Abstract

Objective: African American/Black individuals experience significant health disparities, particularly as it relates to cannabis use. As such, there is a need to identify intrapersonal factors related to more severe patterns of use among this subpopulation. Worry about quitting or reducing cannabis as a result of the anticipated anxiety-related states during deprivation (i.e., abstinence phobia) is one factor that is theoretically important in the context of cannabis-related disparities.

Method: The current study sought to examine the cross-sectional association between abstinence phobia and cannabis use problems, perceived barriers for cannabis cessation, and cannabis withdrawal symptoms. Participants included 83 African American/Black cannabis users (31.3% female, Mage = 38.12, SD = 10.42).

Results: Cannabis abstinence phobia was associated with greater severity of cannabis use problems, more perceived barriers for quitting cannabis use, and more severe cannabis withdrawal symptoms.

Conclusions: Abstinence phobia may represent an underrecognized intervention target for addressing cannabis use problems and quit success.

Keywords: Abstinence; African American; Black; Cannabis; Fear; Marijuana; Withdrawal.

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