Concurrent Use of Cannabis and Alcohol: Neuropsychiatric Effect Consequences

Abstract

Background: Concurrent use of cannabis and alcohol is frequent. According different studies, the prevalence is among 20-34% depending on different samples studied.

Objective: In contrast with the wide evidence available about neuropsychiatric effects associated to the use of cannabis or alcohol separately, there are few studies of the neuropsychiatric effects of their combination. Our aim was to review the literature regarding this topic.

Conclusion: We performed a search in MEDLINE and from 114 potentially eligible studies, 27 were selected. Most of them studied the relation between cannabis and alcohol, and with them combined to other substances of abuse, but only a few considered their concurrent effect among mental disorders (ADHD, bipolar disorder) and neuropsychological performance. More research in the neuropsychiatric effects of the concomitant use of cannabis and alcohol is needed.

Keywords: Cannabis; Marijuana; alcohol; concurrent use; dual diagnosis; ethanol; mental disorders; neuropsychiatric effects.