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veggie

Registered: 07/25/04
Posts: 17,504
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[AU] Study to target pot withdrawals
#13973013 - 02/16/11 10:42 AM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Study to target pot withdrawals February 16, 2011 - Northern Star
PEOPLE who feel their use of marijuana is problematic, and who want to stop smoking pot, are being invited to take part in a new trial at the Riverlands Drug and Alcohol Centre in Lismore.
The trial is being conducted with researchers from the University of Sydney to evaluate the safety and usefulness of the mood-stabilising medication lithium, commonly used for the management of bipolar affective disorder in the management of cannabis withdrawal.
Trial co-ordinator, Dr Jennifer Johnston, said while many pot smokers felt they could stop at will, others found they experienced withdrawal symptoms such as sleep difficulties, increased anger and aggression, irritability, nervousness and anxiety.
“Some users at the severe end of cannabis use struggle to give it up, so for them we are offering a seven-day detox at Riverlands,” she said.
The project is a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. Neither the participants nor the medical officers will know who is receiving lithium and who is getting a placebo.
“When I first heard about this, I was a bit concerned about using lithium – One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and all that,” Dr Johnston admitted.
“But we will only be administering lithium in low doses for seven days – it’s long term, high-dosage lithium use that can be problematic for some patients. And currently we have no medications for use in cannabis withdrawal management.
“We’re hoping to attract a large number of people to take part in this. During the seven days, as well as receiving lithium or a placebo, participants will have access to all our back-up services, group meetings and other activities and will be closely monitored throughout with urine, blood and saliva tests for levels of lithium, oxytocin and THC.
“Their board and lodging and treatment will be completely free of charge.
“Some people who want to withdraw from using cannabis feel they need a break from their families and responsibilities for a while and this trial will offer them the space to concentrate on themselves for a week.
“Of cannabis users, between 10 and 20 per cent are dependent on the drug and can experience associated psychological, social or physical harms as a result.
“And of those who are dependent, about half to three-quarters will experience some uncomfortable symptoms when withdrawing, and we currently have no medications to alleviate that.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the trial can contact Dr Johnston on 1800 757 110 or jennifer.johnson@sydney.edu.au.
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Downer45
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: veggie]
#13973164 - 02/16/11 11:16 AM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Maybe I missed something, but I wonder why they are testing for oxy?
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Spiderbaby
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: Downer45]
#13973316 - 02/16/11 11:48 AM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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They are testing for oxytocin, a natural hormone, not oxycontin (oxycodone) which is what im guessing you are referring to
It is thought that oxytocin makes you feel calm, content, decreases anxiety and makes you more trusting so it is implicated in love and human bonding, Im guessing they are testing for it to see if levels decrease just after the subjects stop smoking cannabis,
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gamer4life
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: veggie]
#13973401 - 02/16/11 12:05 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Countries around the world should also consider this for smokers and people who chew tobacco. This could help lots of people get over the strong urges you have when trying to quit tobacco, Then the second week is usually easier.
-------------------- Legalize! Stop putting our children in prisons.
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bloodsheen
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: gamer4life]
#13974195 - 02/16/11 03:22 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Personally I think this is all bullshit. Yea, of course when you stop smoking pot you have trouble sleeping and are irritable. You just spent the last few months/years of your life being able to just pass out without even trying to fall asleep and being happy all the time! If 'withdraw' symptoms are seriously the thing keeping you from stopping weed you have a serious fucking problem that has nothing to do with drug use. Your just a lazy piece of shit who doesn't actually want to change their life at all
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A cautious young fellow named Lodge / Had seat belts installed in his Dodge. / When his date was strapped in / He committed a sin / Without even leaving the garage. That's clever, isn't it?-A boy and his dog
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oopthedoop
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: bloodsheen]
#13974383 - 02/16/11 03:58 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
bloodsheen said: Personally I think this is all bullshit. Yea, of course when you stop smoking pot you have trouble sleeping and are irritable. You just spent the last few months/years of your life being able to just pass out without even trying to fall asleep and being happy all the time! If 'withdraw' symptoms are seriously the thing keeping you from stopping weed you have a serious fucking problem that has nothing to do with drug use. Your just a lazy piece of shit who doesn't actually want to change their life at all
You are [deleted by mod]. It's people like you who hold back others being helped.
Mod edit: No flaming in News.
Edited by veggie (02/16/11 04:11 PM)
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travelleler
a horse-fart in a hurricane



Registered: 08/30/08
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: oopthedoop]
#13974507 - 02/16/11 04:23 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
currently we have no medications for use in cannabis withdrawal management.
interesting, Naltrexone and/or Wellbutrin were the first two that popped into my mind. WTF?? is this Dr. Johnston's medical carreer fictional or what?
--------------------

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badchad
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: travelleler]
#13974619 - 02/16/11 04:41 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
travelleler said:
interesting, Naltrexone and/or Wellbutrin were the first two that popped into my mind. WTF?? is this Dr. Johnston's medical carreer fictional or what?
I'd guess that's off-label use and not an approved indication.
-------------------- ...the whole experience is (and is as) a profound piece of knowledge. It is an indellible experience; it is forever known. I have known myself in a way I doubt I would have ever occurred except as it did. Smith, P. Bull. Menninger Clinic (1959) 23:20-27; p. 27. ...most subjects find the experience valuable, some find it frightening, and many say that is it uniquely lovely. Osmond, H. Annals, NY Acad Science (1957) 66:418-434; p.436
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travelleler
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: badchad]
#13974655 - 02/16/11 04:46 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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well I think they're both classified as anti-depressants, unless I'm wrong, and are currently two drugs used widely for combating withdrawl from drugs like cocaine and niccotine. So it's strange to me that they weren't mentioned in the article by a "trained professional" with credentials.
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"Whales have deep thoughts"
Dreams are the fuel of the soul
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travelleler
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: travelleler]
#13974707 - 02/16/11 04:56 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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I just read up on Naltrexone, it's actually classified as an Opoid Antagonist-- used to aid in withdrawl symptoms from alcohol, opiates, cocaine etc...
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"Whales have deep thoughts"
Dreams are the fuel of the soul
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veggie

Registered: 07/25/04
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: travelleler]
#13974727 - 02/16/11 05:01 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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>Naltrexone and/or Wellbutrin were the first two that popped into my mind.<
The first that popped in my mind was THC. What could be better than relieving the so-called withdrawal symptoms from large amounts of THC than small amounts of THC.
>Personally I think this is all bullshit.< I agree. I'm not saying that there are no people that experience a mild discomfort after quiting cannabis after years of use, but to use a powerful drug like lithium, even in low doses, seems like overkill.
The symptoms described are similar to quitting other pleasurable activities; TV, coffee, internet, and video games. And how addicting can pot possibly be when about half of the cannabis dependent, according to the researchers, experience no symptoms at all.
To do this study because currently there is "no medications for use in cannabis withdrawal management" is somewhat hypocritical, in my opinion. There are millions of people suffering from severe chronic illnesses or crippling excruciating pain for which there are medications, and patients either don't have access to them or doctors are reluctant to prescribe them.
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bloodsheen
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: veggie]
#14019719 - 02/24/11 12:29 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
veggie said: >Naltrexone and/or Wellbutrin were the first two that popped into my mind.<
The first that popped in my mind was THC. What could be better than relieving the so-called withdrawal symptoms from large amounts of THC than small amounts of THC.
>Personally I think this is all bullshit.< I agree. I'm not saying that there are no people that experience a mild discomfort after quiting cannabis after years of use, but to use a powerful drug like lithium, even in low doses, seems like overkill.
The symptoms described are similar to quitting other pleasurable activities; TV, coffee, internet, and video games. And how addicting can pot possibly be when about half of the cannabis dependent, according to the researchers, experience no symptoms at all.
To do this study because currently there is "no medications for use in cannabis withdrawal management" is somewhat hypocritical, in my opinion. There are millions of people suffering from severe chronic illnesses or crippling excruciating pain for which there are medications, and patients either don't have access to them or doctors are reluctant to prescribe them.
Haha, pretty much the elaborated, less crude version of what I was trying to say
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A cautious young fellow named Lodge / Had seat belts installed in his Dodge. / When his date was strapped in / He committed a sin / Without even leaving the garage. That's clever, isn't it?-A boy and his dog
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modok



Registered: 02/07/11
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: bloodsheen]
#14021764 - 02/24/11 06:47 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Lithium seems pretty extreme.
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2859558484
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: modok]
#14022581 - 02/24/11 09:31 PM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Litium is definitely extreme. Perhaps in tiny doses? I dont know sounds like the costs (side effects of continuous lithum doses) outweigh the benefits.
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travelleler
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: 2859558484]
#14024352 - 02/25/11 08:24 AM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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MS patients can use Naltrexone in tiny doses with some success at triggering remission of symptoms in the non-progressive type... doses used are typically .01 of a standard dose used for a coke-head withdrawing from the drug.
stands to reason, since cannabis is not that bad that smaller doses would be effective... (wellbutrin, lithium, naltrexone, whatever)
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Ojom
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: oopthedoop]
#14028634 - 02/26/11 01:04 AM (12 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
oopthedoop said:
Quote:
bloodsheen said: Personally I think this is all bullshit. Yea, of course when you stop smoking pot you have trouble sleeping and are irritable. You just spent the last few months/years of your life being able to just pass out without even trying to fall asleep and being happy all the time! If 'withdraw' symptoms are seriously the thing keeping you from stopping weed you have a serious fucking problem that has nothing to do with drug use. Your just a lazy piece of shit who doesn't actually want to change their life at all
You are [deleted by mod]. It's people like you who hold back others being helped.
Mod edit: No flaming in News.
I have to agree with oopthedoop here.
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henk600
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: Ojom]
#14034762 - 02/27/11 08:14 AM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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travelleler
a horse-fart in a hurricane



Registered: 08/30/08
Posts: 3,955
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Re: [AU] Study to target pot withdrawals [Re: henk600]
#14035308 - 02/27/11 11:11 AM (12 years, 10 months ago) |
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"Whales have deep thoughts"
Dreams are the fuel of the soul
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