Quitting cannabis is difficult without confidence

associated with high positive marijuana expectancies, which is consistent with the theory that positive expectancies can increase drug use by undermining self-efficacy — the more rewarding smoking appears to be, the harder it is for a patient to refuse.

For patients with strong positive expectancies, abstinence is better achieved through challenging their beliefs that smoking marijuana is rewarding.

The study, along with other similar studies, pointed out that negative expectancies lowered the likelihood of relapse independent from refusal self-efficacy. Additionally, negative expectancies held before treatment can be important motivators for abstinence.

Holly Lawrence
Author: Holly Lawrence

Holly Lawrence is a general assignment reporter and editor for Addiction Now. She covers topics including recent scientific studies, lifestyle trends and breaking news. Contact Holly at hollyl@drugaddictionnow.com.

Summary
Quitting cannabis is difficult without confidence
Article Name
Quitting cannabis is difficult without confidence
Description
Chronic marijuana smokers who doubted their own ability to abstain had less success in maintaining abstinence after a six-week Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program than those who believed they could quit, a recent study showed.
Author
Holly Lawrence
Publisher Name
Addiction Now