Examination of the behavioral effects of oral cannabidiol alone and in combination with smoked marijuana

Abstract

Aims: To examine correlates of interpersonal relationship dysfunction among Veterans with concurrent Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Methods: Participants (n=112) were treatment-seeking VeteranswhometDSM-IV-TR criteria for current PTSD and SUD (average age=41.2 years old, 91%male, 60.7%Army). Clinician-administered and self-report surveyswere used to collect baseline data as part of a larger study: the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, Addiction Severity Index, Lite version, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, and Deployment Risk and Resilience Inventory. Results: Over half (56.3%, n=63) of the sample experienced divorce or separation from a partner during post-deployment. Veterans who did vs. did not experience post-deployment divorce or separation reported significantly higher rates of lifetime physical abuse (45.2% vs. 19.1%, p= .005), lifetime sexual abuse (29.0% vs. 10.6%, p= .03) and being physically injured by another person (65.1% vs. 38.8%, p= .006). Rates of lifetime emotional abuse (43.5% vs. 30.6%, NS) and past-month suicidal ideationwere similar across groups (59.7% vs. 51.0%, NS). Veterans who did vs. did not experience post-deployment divorce or separation smoked significantly more cigarettes per day (p= .03), endorsed more years of alcohol intoxication (p= .04), and reported a greater number of hospitalizations for medical problems (p= .03). Conclusions: The findings reveal high rates of relationship dysfunction following deployment in PTSD/SUD Veterans. In addition, high rates of physical and sexual abuse, as well as increased substance use were associated with post-deployment relationship dysfunction. The findings provide useful clinical information and may help inform the development of effective treatment interventions for Veterans with PTSD and SUD. Financial support: NIDA R01 DA030143 (SEB).