American Society of Addiction Medicine

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM

American Society of Addiction Medicine

  • Lead: The impact of schizophrenia genetic load and heavy cannabis use on the risk of psychotic disorder in the EU-GEI case-control and UK Biobank studies

Lead: The impact of schizophrenia genetic load and heavy cannabis use on the risk of psychotic disorder in the EU-GEI case-control and UK Biobank studies

Tuesday 17th December 2024

Explore how schizophrenia genetic load and heavy cannabis use impact psychosis risk, alongside key addiction medicine studies.
8 minutes
Informative
Educational
Supportive
Eye-opening
Non-judgmental

About this podcast

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM
Author:
American Society of Addiction Medicine
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Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Schizophrenia Genetics and Cannabis: Unpacking Psychosis Risks

Episode Overview

  • Schizophrenia PRS and heavy cannabis use independently increase psychosis risk.
  • High-potency cannabis use is a strong predictor of psychotic disorders.
  • Abstinence-based outcomes may not fully capture buprenorphine treatment success.
  • Antiracist approaches are crucial in addiction treatment.
  • Consistent buprenorphine use during pregnancy improves postpartum outcomes.
Regular use of high-potency cannabis remains a strong predictor of psychotic disorder independent of schizophrenia PRS.
Dive into this episode of 'This Week in Addiction Medicine' as host Zach Caruso unpacks the complex relationship between schizophrenia genetic load and heavy cannabis use on psychotic disorders. Using data from the EU-GEI case-control study and the UK Biobank, researchers reveal that both schizophrenia polygenic risk score (PRS) and heavy cannabis use independently heighten the risk of psychosis.
Interestingly, while schizophrenia PRS was linked to lifetime and daily cannabis use without psychosis, its effect diminished when cannabis use disorder PRS was factored in. The study underscores that regular use of high-potency cannabis remains a strong predictor of psychotic disorders, regardless of schizophrenia PRS. These findings are particularly significant amidst rising cannabis use and potency globally.
The episode also explores a JAMA Psychiatry study that questions the efficacy of abstinence-based treatment outcomes for buprenorphine plus medical counselling in opioid use disorder (OUD). It suggests that many patients benefit from reduced illicit opioid use even if they don't achieve total abstinence. Another highlight is a Social Science and Medicine article advocating for antiracist approaches in addiction treatment, including hiring black staff and providing culturally tailored care.
Further, the episode covers research on buprenorphine use during pregnancy, revealing that consistent use at moderate doses improves postpartum outcomes. The discussion extends to social and environmental predictors of youth alcohol and cannabis initiation, emphasising the protective role of positive parental relationships. Wrapping up, Caruso discusses racial and ethnic disparities in accessing SUD treatment, highlighting the need for inclusive approaches.
He also delves into the alarming rise in overdose deaths involving illegally manufactured fentanyls and carfentanil, stressing the urgency for adaptable prevention efforts. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these critical issues in addiction medicine. Whether you're a professional in the field or someone affected by these topics, this episode offers valuable insights.