Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the U.S., and the number of illicit and licit users is rising. Lasting neurocognitive changes or deficits as a result of use are frequently noted despite a lack of clarity in the scientific literature. In an effort to resolve inconsistencies in the evidence of lasting residual effects of cannabis use, we conducted two meta-analyses. First, we updated a previous meta-analysis on broad nonacute cognitive effects of cannabis use through inclusion of newer studies. In a second meta-analysis, we focused on evidence for lasting residual effects by including only studies that tested users after at least 25 days of abstinence. In the first meta-analysis, 33 studies met inclusion criteria. Results indicated a small negative effect for global neurocognitive performance as well for most cognitive domains assessed. Unfortunately, methodological limitations of these studies prevented the exclusion of withdrawal symptoms as an explanation for observed effects. In the second meta-analysis, 13 of the original 33 studies met inclusion criteria. Results indicated no significant effect of cannabis use on global neurocognitive performance or any effect on the eight assessed domains. Overall, these meta-analyses demonstrate that any negative residual effects on neurocognitive performance attributable to either cannabis residue or withdrawal symptoms are limited to the first 25 days of abstinence. Furthermore, there was no evidence for enduring negative effects of cannabis use.

Objective This naturalistic study (conducted from 1992–1998) of Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) compared female and male alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients on improvement and on drinking and relationship outcomes after BCT. We also evaluated gender differences on presenting clinical problems and extent of BCT participation. Method Participants were 103 female and 303 male AUD patients (98.5% alcohol dependence, 1.5% alcohol abuse) and their heterosexual partners, mostly White in their forties. Couples received 20–22 BCT sessions over 5–6 months. Drinking outcomes were percentage days abstinent (PDA) and alcohol-related problems. Relationship outcome was Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Outcome data were examined at baseline, post-treatment, and 6- and 12-month follow-up. Presenting problems were demographics, alcohol problem severity, illicit drug use, emotional distress, and relationship adjustment. BCT participation was BCT attendance and BCT-targeted behaviors. Results We found few differences between female and male patients, who did not differ on improvement and outcomes after BCT. Both females and males showed significant large effect size improvements through 12-month follow-up on PDA and alcohol-related problems, and significant small to medium effect size improvements on relationship adjustment. Both females and males had high levels of BCT participation. Gender differences in presenting clinical problems (females being lower on age, years problem drinking, and baseline PDA, and higher on emotional distress) did not translate into gender differences in response to BCT. Conclusion Results showed no support for the suggestion that BCT might lead to greater improvement and better outcomes for female than male AUD patients on drinking or on relationship outcomes.

Higher levels of baseline PTSD symptoms and combat exposure severity did not prevent OEF/OIF veterans from achieving positive alcohol outcomes through participation in a self-management web intervention for problem drinking. (PsycINFO Database Record

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