High-Risk Cannabis Use: A Proposal of an Operational Definition through Delphi Methodology for Scientific Consensus.

INTRODUCTION: Cannabis ranks as one of the most widely used psychoactive substances worldwide. Its usage has been reported as a risk factor for developing a variety of physical and mental health issues, alongside social and economic problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hazardous (or high-risk) substance use is defined as "a pattern of substance use that increases the risk of harmful consequences for the user." The primary objective of this study was to achieve a consensus on an operational definition of high-risk cannabis use suitable for a European jurisdiction (Spain). METHODS: A three round Delphi study was conducted. The Delphi technique entails group decision-making and iterative forecasting by consulting a panel of experts and conducting systematic feedback rounds. An online survey was distributed among a diverse expert panel comprising professionals from Spain working on fields related to cannabis use (research, policy planning, and clinical professionals). One-hundred ninety-nine invitations were sent to experts, of which forty-five (22.6%) accepted to participate. All participants were provided the option to revise a background document with the latest compiled scientific evidence and guidelines related to health and social conditions associated to cannabis usage. This background document also proposed the quantification of dose using a standardized unit established for the population of Spain (the Standard Joint Unit or SJU) based on quantity of cannabis main psychoactive constituent, 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (9-THC) (1 SJU = 1 joint = 0.25 g of cannabis = 7 mg of 9-THC). Three rounds of Likert scale and open-ended questions were administered until consensus, defined as ≥75% agreement, was attained. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on defining high-risk cannabis use as the usage of more than 4 SJU (>28 mg THC) per week or any use of cannabis with potency >10% THC. Concurrent use of cannabis with other drugs was also considered high risk, while the smoked route was considered the riskiest administration route. It was also agreed that vulnerable groups for high-risk cannabis use (for whom any pattern of cannabis use represents high risk of harm) include individuals under the age of 21, pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with psychiatric history, those with medical health issues related to cannabis use, professional drivers and heavy machine operators. CONCLUSION: This operational definition of high-risk cannabis use for Spain elucidates usage patterns and individual vulnerability factors predictive of heightened harm. Its adoption holds potential to inform decision-making among individuals, professionals, and policy-makers, facilitating evidence-based interventions aimed at prevention and risk reduction.

Another Round: Influence of Alcohol-Related Conditions and Other Drug Use-Related Disorders in Emergency Department Frequent Use - A Single-Site Matched Case-Control Study in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Patients who make 5 or more visits per year to hospital emergency departments (EDs) are usually considered ED frequent users (FUs). This study aims to better characterize the influence of alcohol and other drug use-related disorders in this phenomenon in a European Mediterranean country with public, universal, tax-financed healthcare system. METHODS: Matched case-control study. Cases were adults between 18 and 65 years old who consulted 5 or more times the ED of a tertiary hospital in Spain between December 2018 and November 2019. Each case was assigned a control of the same age and gender, who appeared to the ED on the same day, but who made 4 visits or less to the service during the study period. The electronic record of the first ED visit during this period was used to extract the variables of interest: emergency care received, clinical and social characteristics. Predictors of frequent ED use were identified with conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: 609 case-control pairs (total n = 1,218) were selected. History of alcohol-related conditions (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.82 [95% CI: 1.26-2.64] p = 0.001) and also other drug use-related disorders (AOR = 1.50 [95% CI: 1.11-2.03] p = 0.009) significantly increased the probability of frequent use of emergency services. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Alcohol-related conditions and other drug use-related disorders must be evaluated in all ED FUs. Specific action protocols to concurrently address repeated attendance and addictions in the emergency room could be a good tool to reduce frequent ED use.

Destination Matters More: Relapse following Hospital-Based Treatment of Substance Use Disorders With and Without Co-Occurring Disorders.

OBJECTIVES: Addressing substance use in psychiatric care encounters significant barriers, but the emergence of specialized services offers an opportunity to advance and scale up the integration of addiction services within psychiatric settings. However, research gaps still exist in this field, particularly in understanding the substance relapse rates of people with co-occurring disorders after a psychiatric hospitalization. This study aimed to investigate and compare the relapse rates of patients under inpatient care with exclusively addiction-related issues and those with co-occurring disorders after a hospitalization in a psychiatric ward and gain insights into differences in outcomes for these two patient groups. METHODS: This retrospective analysis examined electronic medical records of patients admitted to the Acute Psychiatry Ward of the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona with a substance use disorder diagnosis between January 2019 and February 2021. Cox regression was used to identify variables independently associated with the first relapse episode. RESULTS: From a total of 318 admissions (79.2% with psychiatric comorbidity), 76.1% relapsed during the study follow-up, with a median survival time of 54 days. Younger age, female gender, voluntary admission, and outpatient follow-up were independently associated with relapse. The presence of a co-occurring disorder was not associated with relapse. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for interventions aimed at improving post-discharge abstinence rates for addiction-related hospitalizations. It also challenges the notion that co-occurring disorders automatically imply a worsened prognosis and emphasizes the importance of addressing addiction and psychiatric comorbidity in a comprehensive, integrated, and specialized manner.

The relevance of patterns of use: A survey to assess cannabis use related harm. / La importancia de los patrones de consumo: Diseño de una encuesta que permita evaluar daño relacionado al consumo de cannabis.

Lifetime prevalence of cannabis use is estimated 192 million adults worldwide (2017) and has increased by 16% in the last decade. However, data on quantity and frequency of use that can lead to harm is lacking. We have developed a survey to assess patterns of cannabis use and related harms in a sample of cannabis users. This paper focuses on evaluating the feasibility of the survey and the users' satisfaction in a pilot sample. Forty cannabis users were recruited (>18 years old, living in Spain, cannabis use at least once during the last 12 months) between December 2018 and January 2019. Participants answered an online survey (mental health, organic harm and injury) and an ad hoc questionnaire to assess accessibility, feasibility, satisfaction, design and content appropriateness. Of the participants, 93.23% (n = 37.3) were satisfied with the design, 94.92% (n = 38.2) were satisfied with the content, and 94.73% (n = 37.0) were satisfied with the accessibility of the survey; only minor changes were required to improve feasibility and accessibility. Participants used a median of 1.0 Standard Joint Unit per day (Interquartile Range [IQR] 1.0-2.0). Of the sample, 92.5% reported at least one related harm and suffers a median of 4.0 disorders (IQR, 1.25-5.0). The present study allows for designing a feasible online survey to conduct a cross-sectional study with a larger sample.

Globalmente, 192 millones de adultos han consumido cannabis alguna vez en su vida (2017), un consumo que se ha incrementado en un 16% en la última década. Sin embargo, seguimos sin tener información clara sobre qué cantidad y qué frecuencia de consumo va a causar daño. Por tanto, este proyecto desarrolla una encuesta para evaluar los patrones de consumo de cannabis y los daños relacionados en una muestra de consumidores. Este artículo se centra en mostrar la factibilidad de la encuesta y la satisfacción de los usuarios en una muestra piloto. Cuarenta usuarios de cannabis fueron reclutados (>18 años, viviendo en España, consumo de cannabis mínimo una vez en los últimos 12 meses) entre diciembre de 2018 y enero de 2019. Los participantes respondieron una encuesta en línea (consumo cannábico, salud mental, organicidad y lesiones) y un cuestionario ad hoc para evaluar la accesibilidad, factibilidad, satisfacción, diseño y contenido. El 93,23% de participantes estaba satisfecho con el diseño; el 94,92% estaba satisfecho con el contenido y el 94,73% estaba satisfecho con la accesibilidad de la encuesta, y fueron necesarios solo cambios menores para mejorar la factibilidad y la accesibilidad de algunos ítems. Los participantes consumieron una mediana de 1,0 Unidades de Porro Estándar por día (Rango Intercuartílico [RIQ] 1,0-2,0). El 92,5% de la muestra puntuó como mínimo en un daño relacionado y con una mediana de 4,0 patologías (RIQ 1,25-5,0). El presente estudio nos permite diseñar una encuesta en línea con determinada factibilidad que pueda ser usada en un estudio transversal a gran escala.

Rehabilitation Gaming System for Alcohol-Related Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Usability Study.

AIMS: Cognitive impairment in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly prevalent, and it negatively impacts treatment outcome. However, this condition is neither systematically assessed nor treated. Thus, we aimed to explore the usability of a virtual reality-based protocol ('Rehabilitation Gaming System', RGS) for patients with AUD. METHODS: Twenty AUD patients (50% also cognitive impairment) underwent a single session of the RGS protocol (four cognitive training tasks, 10 minutes each). System Usability Scale (SUS) and Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ) were applied to assess the RGS usability and patients' satisfaction with it. Also, the Perceived Competence Scale was administered to assess the patients' feelings of competence when using the training protocol. Comparisons of the responses to these questionnaires were performed between AUD patients with cognitive impairment and those without cognitive impairment. RESULTS: RGS usability was very positively rated (median SUS score = 80, Interquartile Range, IQR = 68.13-86-88). No significant differences were found in the median SUS scores for any of the sociodemographic or clinical variables, excepting for gender (women median score = 85; IQR = 80-94.38 vs. men median score = 71.25; IQR = 61.25-89.25; P-value = 0.035). The quality of the information provided by the RGS training scenarios and the usability were positively rated (PSSUQ), and patients experienced high feelings of competence. CONCLUSIONS: The RGS has been found to be usable in the short term and patients with AUD stated to be satisfied with it. Future larger, randomized trials are needed to explore the effectiveness of this tool to help overcome the cognitive deficits in AUD patients.

Validation of the Alcohol Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) in acute psychiatric inpatients. / Validación de la prueba de detección de consumo de alcohol, tabaco y sustancias (ASSIST) en pacientes con trastorno psiquiátrico ingresados en una unidad de agudos.

The aims of this study were to examine the psychometric properties of The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) in psychiatric inpatients, due to the scarcity of screening instruments validated in this population. Patients from Hospital Clínic's psychiatric ward (n = 202) completed: ASSIST, Addiction Severity Index (ASI), MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS), and Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST). Reliability and validity evidences based on internal structure (Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses) and on the relation to other variables were obtained. Excellent internal consistency was found for Total Substance Involvement (TSI) (α = .92 and ω = .93) and for Specific Substance Involvement (SSI) scores (α = .88 - .96 and ω = .89 - .95). Analysis of internal structure for tobacco, alcohol and cannabis subscales resulted in unidimensional models with adequate goodness-of-fit indices. ASSIST scores were significantly correlated with those of ASI (r = .795 to r = .953), AUDIT (r = .864), FTND (r = .808), DAST (r = .831), SDS (r = .519) and with "number of diagnoses of abuse/dependence" in MINI-Plus (TSI: r = .857 to r = .862; SSI: r = .646 to r = .834). Receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC) and Mann-Whitney's U test found good discriminative validity evidences. ASSIST scores showed good reliability and there were validity evidences that support its use for identifying risk levels of tobacco, alcohol and other substance use in psychiatric patients.

Los objetivos fueron examinar las propiedades psicométricas de la prueba de detección de consumo de alcohol, tabaco y sustancias (ASSIST) en pacientes con trastorno psiquiátrico. Un total de 202 pacientes ingresados en psiquiatría del Hospital Clínic completaron: ASSIST, Índice de gravedad de la adicción (ASI), MINI-Entrevista Neuropsiquiátrica Internacional (MINI), cuestionario de identificación de los trastornos debidos al consumo de alcohol (AUDIT), Test de Fagerström (FTND), Escala de gravedad de la dependencia (SDS) y Prueba de detección de abuso de drogas (DAST). Se obtuvieron la fiabilidad y evidencia de validez de la estructura interna (análisis factorial exploratorio/confirmatorio) y de la relación con otras variables. Se encontró excelente consistencia interna en puntuaciones de riesgo total (TSI) (α = ,92 y ω = ,93) y de cada sustancia (SSI) (α = ,88 - ,96 y ω = ,89 - ,95). La estructura interna de tabaco, alcohol y cannabis resultó en modelos unidimensionales con índices de bondad de ajuste adecuados. Las puntuaciones del ASSIST correlacionaron significativamente con: ASI (r = ,795 a r = ,953), AUDIT (r = ,864), FTND (r = ,808), DAST (r = ,831), SDS (r = ,519) y «número de diagnósticos de abuso/dependencia¼ en MINI-Plus (TSI: r = ,857 - ,862; SSI: r = ,646 - ,834). El análisis de curva ROC y U de Mann-Whitney mostraron evidencias de validez discriminativa. Las puntuaciones del ASSIST tienen buena fiabilidad y existen evidencias de validez para su uso en la detección del nivel de riesgo de consumo de tabaco, alcohol y sustancias en pacientes con trastorno psiquiátrico.

Motivational Interviewing for Cannabis Use Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cannabis is one of the most used drugs worldwide. There is no gold standard treatment for cannabis use disorder (CUD). Motivational interviewing (MI) has shown efficacy in some substance use disorders. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to assess the effectiveness of MI in CUD. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials or open-label studies published until September 2019 from 3 different databases (Pubmed, Scopus, and PsycINFO) were included, following the PRISMA guidelines and a predetermined set of criteria for article selection. Meta-analyses were conducted. The end point was determined as month 3, and 4 outcomes were analysed (abstinence rates, reduction in frequency of use, reduction in quantity of use, and reduction in cannabis use disorder symptoms) in 2 populations (adolescents and adults). RESULTS: Forty studies were identified, of which 24 were performed in adults and 16 in adolescents. MI showed efficacy in achieving abstinence in both adults (odds ratio [OR] = 3.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.40-6.16, p < 0.0001) and adolescents (OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.42-2.89, p < 0.0001). MI showed efficacy in reducing frequency and quantity of use in adults but not in adolescents. Those adults who were in the MI group consumed less joints per day than those in the control group (mean difference = -0.69 joints per day, 95% CI -0.84 to -0.53, p < 0.001), and they consumed on less days per month (mean difference = -3.9 days per month, 95% CI -7.47 to -0.34, p = 0.0317) than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: MI is an effective intervention to reduce cannabis use and achieve abstinence, especially among adults and patients with no prior history of psychotic disorder. Further investigation is needed to assess the effect on CUD symptoms. MI should be included in guidelines for treating cannabis use disorder as one of the essential psychological interventions.

Shared Reflection to Maximize Resources and Minimize Costs: The Reflecting Team Applied to a Hospital Environment.

Severe mental illness entails multiple hospital admissions and a large use of public resources. The Reflecting Team (RT), together with other dialogue strategies, place in a single therapeutic space, the patient, his family and a team of professionals to find together a solution to a situation of stagnation. The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a RT intervention in psychiatric inpatients in a public hospital. Six RT were performed, and clinical variables were collected retrospectively for six months pre-RT and post-RT. Both number of hospital admissions and total time spent in the psychiatric acute unit show a significant decrease. All computed cost showed statistically significant reduction. The results suggest RT might be a good strategy to introduce a positive change in the treatment of those psychiatric cases in which the patient and family find themselves caught in a system that seems to offer stale and ineffective help to problems that have become chronic.

The relationship between motivations for cannabis consumption and problematic use. / Relación entre las motivaciones para consumir y el consumo problemático de cannabis.

INTRODUCTION: Systematic screening of problematic cannabis use does not include the motivations that lead to consumption, although from a person-centered perspective this is fundamental. The present study explores the motivations for cannabis use in adults and its relationship with cannabis use patterns and problematic use. METHOD: Adult cannabis users (previous 60 days) were recruited in the province of Barcelona (n = 468). Information on their sociodemographic data, cannabis use pattern, Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) and the main motivation for use were collected. Motivations were categorized a posteriori according to the Marijuana Motives Measures (MMM). A descriptive and inferential analysis was carried out to link the motivations to sociodemographic variables, consumption pattern and probability of suffering problematic cannabis use (CAST). RESULTS: Using cannabis to heighten positive feelings (35%), out of habit (29%) and to cope with negative feelings (25%) were the most frequent motivations. In comparison to other motivations, coping is related to a greater quantity of cannabis used (4 vs 3 joints per day, p = 0.005), higher probability of problematic cannabis use (77% vs 64%, p = 0.05), and greater social vulnerability (unemployment 56% vs 37%, p = 0.001; and low educational level 14% vs 8%, p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Coping as a motivation for cannabis use is present in one out of four users and is a marker of social vulnerability, greater quantity of cannabis used and higher risk of problematic use. Patient-centered care together with preventive (emotional and social education) and clinical strategies (psychotherapy) can be useful for this population at higher risk.

Introducción. El cribado sistemático del consumo problemático de cannabis no incluye las motivaciones que llevan al consumo, aunque desde una perspectiva de atención centrada en la persona, este dato sea fundamental. El presente estudio explora las motivaciones de consumo de cannabis en adultos y su relación con el patrón de consumo y consumo problemático.  Método. Consumidores adultos de cannabis (en los últimos 60 días) fueron reclutados en la provincia de Barcelona (n=468). Se pasó un cuestionario para explorar datos sociodemográficos, patrón de uso, la Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) y la motivación principal para el consumo. Los motivos de consumo se categorizaron a posteriori según la Marijuana Motives Measures (MMM). Se realizó un análisis descriptivo e inferencial para explorar la relación entre la motivación categorizada y variables sociodemográficas, patrón de consumo y puntuaciones de la CAST.Resultados. Consumir cannabis para mejorar las emociones positivas (35%), por costumbre (29%) y para afrontar emociones negativas (25%) fueron las motivaciones más frecuentes. Respecto a otras motivaciones, el "afrontamiento" se relaciona con mayor cantidad consumida (4 vs 3 porros/día, p = 0,005), mayor probabilidad de tener un consumo problemático (77% vs 64%, p = 0,05), y mayor vulnerabilidad social (desempleo 56% vs 37%, p = 0,001; y bajo nivel de estudios (14% vs 8%, p = 0,042)). Conclusiones. El afrontamiento está presente en uno de cada cuatro usuarios de cannabis, es un marcador de vulnerabilidad social y de mayor cantidad de consumo de cannabis y probabilidad de consumo problemático. Una atención centrada en la persona junto con estrategias preventivas (educación emocional y social) y clínicas (psicoterapia) pueden ser de utilidad en esta población de mayor riesgo.

A systematic review of treatments for alcohol-related cognitive impairment: lessons from the past and gaps for future interventions.

Alcohol-related cognitive impairment (ARCI) is highly prevalent among patients with alcohol dependence. Although it negatively influences treatment outcome, this condition is underdiagnosed and undertreated. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the existing evidence regarding both cognitive and pharmacological interventions for ARCI. We systematically reviewed PubMed, Scopus and Science direct databases up to May 2019 and followed the PRISMA guidelines. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Jadad Scale. Twenty-six studies were eligible for inclusion (14 referring to neuropsychological interventions and 12 to pharmacological treatments). Among neuropsychological interventions, computerised treatments, errorless learning and component method showed positive effects on working memory, memory measures and general cognitive function. On the other hand, thiamine, memantine and methylphenidate improved working memory, long-term memory and general cognitive function. Nevertheless, these studies have several limitations, such as small sample size, lack of replication of the results or low specificity of the interventions. Therefore, no gold-standard intervention can yet be recommended for clinical practice, and further research based on promising strategies (e.g. digital interventions, thiamine) is required.

Cerebellar alterations in cannabis users: A systematic review.

Cannabis is the most used illicit substance in the world. As many countries are moving towards decriminalization, it is crucial to determine whether and how cannabis use affects human brain and behavior. The role of the cerebellum in cognition, emotion, learning, and addiction is increasingly recognized. Because of its high density in CB1 receptors, it is expected to be highly affected by cannabis use. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate how cannabis use affects cerebellar structure and function, as well as cerebellar-dependent behavioral tasks. Three databases were searched for peer-reviewed literature published until March 2018. We included studies that focused on cannabis effects on cerebellar structure, function, or cerebellar-dependent behavioral tasks. A total of 348 unique records were screened, and 40 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. The most consistent findings include (1) increases in cerebellar gray matter volume after chronic cannabis use, (2) alteration of cerebellar resting state activity after acute or chronic use, and (3) deficits in memory, decision making, and associative learning. Age of onset and higher exposure to cannabis use were frequently associated with increased cannabis-induced alterations. Chronic cannabis use is associated with alterations in cerebellar structure and function, as well as with deficits in behavioral paradigms that involve the cerebellum (eg, eyeblink conditioning, memory, and decision making). Future studies should consider tobacco as confounding factor and use standardized methods for assessing cannabis use. Paradigms exploring the functional activity of the cerebellum may prove useful as monitoring tools of cannabis-induced impairment.

Patterns of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use among transsexuals. / Patrones de consumo de alcohol, tabaco y drogas ilegales en personas transexuales.

This study evaluated the patterns of substance use in a large sample of male-to-female (MtoF) and female-to-male (FtoM) transsexuals. A total of 251 transsexual subjects (163 MtoF and 88 FtoM), attended in the Catalonia Gender Unit, completed self-administrated questionnaires on consumption of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, opioids, and designer drugs. Results were compared with the general population in Catalonia using data from the National Health Service (EDADES 2013 study). Current consumption of alcohol (70.1%), tobacco (46.2%), and cannabis (16.3%) among transsexuals was similar when compared with men (72.1%, 42.1%, 12.8%) and increased when compared with women (57.6%, 35.2%, 5%); the consumption between MtoF and FtoM subgroups was similar.  The use of cocaine was almost ten times more prevalent in the MtoF subgroup than in the FtoM subgroup (1.1%), and in general population (less than 1%).  Only a few reported uses of opioids and designer drugs. In conclusion, the substance use among transsexuals, except for the use of cocaine, was similar between MtoF and FtoM subgroups, and resembled the consumption prevalence among men in the general population. The proportion of cocaine consumers in the MtoF subgroup was up to ten times higher than in other subgroups.

Este estudio evalúa los patrones de consumo de sustancias en personas transexuales de hombre a mujer (H-M) y de mujer a hombre (M-H). Un total de 251 personas transexuales (163 H-M y 88 M-H), atendidas en la Unidad de Identidad de Género de Cataluña, completaron un cuestionario autoadministrado sobre el consumo de alcohol, tabaco, cannabis, cocaína, opiáceos y drogas de diseño. Los resultados se compararon con datos del Servicio Nacional de Salud en población general en Cataluña (estudio EDADES 2013). La prevalencia del consumo de alcohol (70,1%), tabaco (46,2%) y cannabis (16,3%) actual en el total de personas transexuales de ambos sexos fue similar al de hombres en población general (72,1%, 42,1%, 12,8%) y mayor que la prevalencia en mujeres (57,6%, 35,2%, 5%); no se encontraron diferencias en dicho consumo entre H-M y M-H. El consumo de cocaína en H-M (9,8%) fue casi diez veces más prevalente que en el subgrupo M-H (1,1%) y que en ambos sexos en población general (menor del 1%). Sólo unos pocos referían consumo de opiáceos y drogas de diseño. En conclusión, el patrón de consumo de sustancias en personas transexuales, excepto para la cocaína, es similar entre ambos sexos, y se asemeja al patrón de consumo masculino en población general. El consumo de cocaína es hasta diez veces mayor en el grupo de mujeres transexuales (H-M) con respecto a los otros grupos.

Quantitative Criteria to Screen for Cannabis Use Disorder.

INTRODUCTION: The Standard Joint Unit (1 SJU = 7 mg of 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) simplifies the exploration of risky patterns of cannabis use. This study proposes a preliminary quantitative cutoff criterion to screen for cannabis use disorder (CUD). METHODOLOGY: Socio-demographical data and information on cannabis quantities, frequency of use, and risk for CUD (measured with the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) of cannabis users recruited in Barcelona (from February 2015 to June 2016) were collected. CAST scores were categorized into low, moderate, and high risk for CUD, based on the SJU consumed and frequency. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis related daily SJU with CUD. RESULTS: Participants (n = 473) were on average 29 years old (SD = 10), men (77.1%), and single (74.6%). With an average of 4 joints per smoking day, 82.5% consumed cannabis almost every day. Risk for CUD (9.40% low, 23.72% moderate, 66.88% high) increased significantly with more frequency and quantities consumed. The ROC analyses suggest 1.2 SJU per day as a cutoff criterion to screen for at least moderate risk for CUD (sensitivity 69.4%, specificity 63.6%). CONCLUSION: Frequency and quantity should be considered when exploring cannabis risks. A 1 SJU per day is proposed as a preliminary quantitative-based criterion to screen users with at least a moderate risk for CUD.

"Diazepam loading": ¿Can a strategy for preventing alcohol withdrawal be used to treat benzodiazepine use disorder? / "Carga de diazepam": ¿puede una estrategia para prevenir abstinencia al alcohol usarse con éxito para tratar la dependencia a benzodiacepinas?

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are central nervous system (CNS) depressants which are widely used to treat insomnia and anxiety, despite having long-term adverse side effects. (Fortea González, Oriolo, Balcells Oliveró, Sánchez Del Valle & Castellvi, 2017). As with alcohol, continued use can lead to tolerance and dependence phenomena. Discontinuation in such cases can produce abstinence symptoms such as tremors, anxiety, seizures and, occasionally, death (Brett y Murnion, 2015).

Las benzodiacepinas se usan para tratar la abstinencia alcohólica siguiendo varias estrategias: dosis descendiente, dosis de carga, tratamiento en función de sintomatología. La carga de diazepam ha demostrado ser un tratamiento válido para la abstinencia alcohólica en ensayos controlados aleatorizados. Tras una búsqueda bibliográfica no sistemática, no hemos encontrado antecedentes en la literatura de una estrategia de carga de diazepam sin posterior administración de benzodiacepinas para el tratamiento de la abstinencia a éstas. Describimos el caso de una desintoxicación de benzodiacepinas utilizando una situación preestablecida de carga de diazepam. La paciente tenía una larga historia de dependencia a benzodiazepinas que se había tratado previamente con escaso éxito con dosis descendiente de clonazepam. El día anterior al ingreso hospitalario, realizó sobreingesta de unos 200 mg de diazepam con finalidad suicida. Se decidió utilizar una estrategia de carga de diazepam para tratar el síndrome abstinencial. Así, no se administraron posteriores dosis de benzodiacepinas, considerando la sobreingesta de 200 mg de diazepam como dosis de carga única. En esta experiencia, la carga de diazepam resultó ser una estrategia válida y rápida para tratar una dependencia a las benzodiacepinas resistente. Los trastornos por uso de benzodiacepinas son un relevante problema de salud pública, en contraste con los escasos avances obtenidos en su tratamiento. Tal vez valdría la pena empezar por revisar y actualizar antiguas estrategias.

Psychoactive constituents of cannabis and their clinical implications: a systematic review. / Constituyentes psicoactivos del cannabis y sus implicaciones clínicas: una revisión sistemática.

Objective This systematic review aims to summarize current evidence on which naturally present cannabinoids contribute to cannabis psychoactivity, considering their reported concentrations and pharmacodynamics in humans. Design Following PRISMA guidelines, papers published before March 2016 in Medline, Scopus-Elsevier, Scopus, ISI-Web of Knowledge and COCHRANE, and fulfilling established a-priori selection criteria have been included. Results In 40 original papers, three naturally present cannabinoids (∆-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, ∆-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabinol) and one human metabolite (11-OH-THC) had clinical relevance. Of these, the metabolite produces the greatest psychoactive effects. Cannabidiol (CBD) is not psychoactive but plays a modulating role on cannabis psychoactive effects. The proportion of 9-THC in plant material is higher (up to 40%) than in other cannabinoids (up to 9%). Pharmacodynamic reports vary due to differences in methodological aspects (doses, administration route and volunteers' previous experience with cannabis). Conclusions Findings reveal that 9-THC contributes the most to cannabis psychoactivity. Due to lower psychoactive potency and smaller proportions in plant material, other psychoactive cannabinoids have a weak influence on cannabis final effects. Current lack of standard methodology hinders homogenized research on cannabis health effects. Working on a standard cannabis unit considering 9-THC is recommended.

Objetivo Esta revisión sistemática pretende resumir la actual evidencia sobre qué cannabinoides naturalmente presentes contribuyen a la psicoactividad final del cannabis, considerando sus concentraciones registradas y su farmacodinamia en humanos. Metodología Siguiendo las guías PRISMA, se revisaron artículos científicos publicados antes de marzo 2016 en Medline, Scopus-Elsevier, Scopus, ISI-Web of Knowledge y COCHRANE, que cumplieran unos criterios establecidos a-priori. Resultados En 40 artículos científicos, se identificaron tres cannabinoides naturalmente presentes (∆-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, ∆-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol y cannabinol) y un metabolito humano (11-OH-THC) con relevancia clínica. De éstos, el metabolito produce los efectos psicoactivos más potentes. El cannabidiol (CBD) no es psicoactivo, pero sí ejerce un efecto modulador sobre los efectos psicoactivos del cannabis. La concentración 9-THC en derivados cannábicos (hasta 40%) supera en gran medida la de otros cannabinoides (hasta 9%). La farmacodinamia descrita varía, dada la heterogeneidad en aspectos clave de la metodología (dosis, rutas de administración y experiencia previa con cannabis de los participantes). Conclusiones Los resultados evidencian que el 9-THC es el cannabinoide que más contribuye al efecto psicoactivo del cannabis. Otros cannabinoides psicoactivos contribuirían mínimamente, dada su menor potencia psicoactiva y su baja concentración en los derivados cannábicos. La falta de estándares metodológicos dificulta el avance en los conocimientos sobre los efectos del cannabis en la salud. Establecer una unidad estándar de cannabis basada en 9-THC ayudaría a superar estas limitaciones.

Post-truth Cannabis use: back to evidence-based medicine. / Posverdad del consumo de cannabis: de regreso a la medicina basada en la evidencia.

Editorial.

Editorial.

Cognitive impairment induced by benzodiazepine use disorder and its reversibility: a case report. / Deterioro cognitivo secundario a trastorno por uso de benzodiacepinas y su reversibilidad: a propósito de un caso.

Letter to the editor.

El consumo crónico de benzodiacepinas es un hecho cada vez más frecuente en nuestro país a pesar de que la eficacia a largo plazo es escasa y los efectos adversos notables. Haciendo incapié en los efectos sobre la cognición, tema todavía en debate, presentamos un caso de deterioro cognitivo asociado a consumo crónico de hipno-sedantes benzodiacepínicos y la mejoría clínica y de las pruebas neuropsicológicas tras su retirada. Creemos así mismo necesaria la concienciación del personal sanitario para el empleo adecuado de dichos fármacos y así disminuir las consecuencias a largo plazo de los mismos y con ello mejorar la calidad de vida y funcionalidad de nuestros pacientes.

Multiplatform web app (My Way Up) plus motivational interviewing for improving treatment retention in patients with onset of alcohol-related liver disease and alcohol use disorder - an example of participatory research.

Background: With the aim of improving treatment retention in patients with the onset of alcohol-related liver disease (ArLD), we designed a blended intervention (brief motivational intervention + 'serious game' (SG)). We present the participatory design methodology and outcomes and the usability assessment of the intervention. Methods: (1) The design of the SG was based on the outcomes of two 3-h co-creation sessions with 37 participants (healthcare and technology professionals, patients, and patients' relatives). The brief face-to-face motivational intervention was based on the 5 As Model and adapted to the ArLD population. (2) Usability pilot study: 20 participants (10 ArLD patients + 10 healthcare professionals) received the intervention. System Usability Scale (SUS) and Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ) were applied to assess the SG usability and patients' satisfaction with it. Weekly semi-structured interviews on the phone were conducted to identify the preferred elements in the SG and those aspects that should be improved. Results: (1) Design: an SG in the form of a gamified web app, consisting of a daily activity for six weeks and adapted brief motivational interviewing. (2) Usability pilot study: usability results were excellent for both patients and healthcare professionals (SUS median score = 85). The general usability, the quality of the information provided by the SG and the quality of the interface were very positively rated in the PSSUQ (overall median score = 2, IQR = 1-2). The best-rated aspects were the provision of feedback, the use of metaphors and the application of audiovisual material. Changes in the design, response mechanics and content were applied after the study. Conclusions: The usability and acceptability of an intervention for increasing retention to treatment in patients with recent onset of ArLD and AUD were excellent for patients and healthcare professionals. A randomized-controlled trial is required to test the efficacy of this approach.

Multifamily therapy in the community mental health network: A pragmatic randomized and controlled study.

Multifamily therapy (MFT) is a psychotherapeutic group intervention for patients with severe mental disorders (SMDs) and their families. The present study is a multicenter, randomized, and controlled trial that analyzes the benefit of MFT during outpatient treatment. The recruited patients were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 26), which received 24 MFT sessions in addition to their treatment as usual (TAU), or to the control group (n = 29), which received only TAU (individual and family sessions). Six months after the inclusion in the MFT, the experimental group showed a significant decrease in number of visits to the psychiatric emergency services, number of psychiatric admissions, and the days of admission. The need for hospital care 6 months after recruitment was also lower in the experimental group compared to the control group. These results suggest that the implementation of MFT during outpatient treatment facilitates community management of people diagnosed with mental health problems.