TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2022//
TI  - The relationship between cannabis use and self-reported trait anger in treatment-seeking young people
JO  - Cannabis and cannabinoid research
A1  - McKowen, James W.
A1  - Lowman, Kelsey L.
A1  - Watt, Lisa
A1  - Yule, Amy M.
A1  - Burke, Colin
A1  - Kaminiski, Tamar
A1  - Wilens, Timothy
A1  - Kelly, John
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - OBJECTIVE: Trait anger has been shown to be predictive of emotion-focused coping and alcohol use. Yet, the connection between cannabis use and trait anger remains poorly characterized. The present study sought to investigate the relationship between cannabis use and self-reported trait anger in youth seeking substance use treatment. <br><br>METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on youth (n=168) aged 14-26 presenting for an initial evaluation at an outpatient substance use treatment program. Patients self-reported trait anger score (TAS) and lifetime, recent, and Diagnostic and Statistics Manual-5th Edition diagnostic status of cannabis use were assessed. Clinician-coded psychiatric and substance use patterns were collected, along with urine carboxy delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration levels. Additional measures of anxiety, depression, and demographic variables were assessed. <br><br>RESULTS: Higher self-reported TAS were associated with cannabis use, cannabis use disorder (CUD), and more recent and frequent cannabis use. The presence of a CUD was independently associated with TAS after controlling for the presence of other substance use disorders and co-occurring depression and anxiety disorders. Higher urine THC concentration levels were associated with higher TAS. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Findings support an association between heavy, chronic cannabis use and elevated self-reported trait anger at intake. There may be important neurological consequences of heavy, chronic cannabis use that impact anger regulation. It is also plausible that trait anger maybe a predisposing factor for elevated cannabis use. Better controlled prospective research is needed to help determine directionality. Treatment programs should target both cannabis use and anger regulation in youth.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 2578-5125
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0239
ID  - ref1
ER  -