Motives for Use and Cessation, and Abstinence Strategies in Dual Cannabis and Tobacco Users: A Qualitative Study of Residential Treatment Patients
Main Article Content
Abstract
Introduction: dual cannabis and tobacco use—defined as the simultaneous or alternating consumption of both substances—constitutes a significant public health concern due to its association with increased dependence and significant challenges to cessation. Despite its high prevalence, few treatment approaches are specifically tailored to address this pattern of use.
Objective: to identify and understand the reasons associated with dual tobacco and cannabis use from the participants’ perspective, past quit attempts, and the strategies perceived as most useful for maintaining abstinence.
Method: a qualitative study was conducted through a focus group with five male participants undergoing residential treatment for problematic cannabis use. The discussion explored motives for substance use, quit attempts, and effective strategies for abstinence maintenance.
Results: the primary motives for dual use included enhancement of cannabis effects, emotional regulation, and alleviating boredom. Quit attempts frequently resulted in relapse, often linked to the phenomenon of substance substitution. Effective strategies for maintaining abstinence included regular physical activity, engagement in alternative sources of reinforcement, structured planning of daily activities, and modification of the social and environmental cues associated with use.
Discussion and conclusions: these findings provide insight into the functional role of dual use. They highlight the need to develop specific interventions incorporating psychoeducation, time management, and the strengthening of social support networks, adapted to the characteristics and needs of individuals with concurrent cannabis and tobacco use.
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