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Studies at IOP help with addictions by Stacey Simpson Institute of Psychiatry The MUSC Wellness Wednesday program will focus on services at the Institute of Psychiatry from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 21 in the Children’s Hospital lobby. The session will offer information pertaining to drug abuse.   Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. The 2003 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse indicates that more than 96.6 million (40.6 percent) of Americans 12 years of age or older have tried marijuana once in their lifetimes, and almost 25.2 million (10.6 percent) have used marijuana in the past year. It is estimated that approximately 10 percent of individuals who ever use marijuana become daily users, and lifetime-prevalence rates of marijuana dependence have been approximated at 4 percent of the population.   Although its use and potential health consequences are widespread, little research has focused on the treatment of marijuana abuse or dependence. Two major factors may contribute to the lack of clinical research that has been conducted on this disorder. First, a common belief is that chronic marijuana use rarely occurs as the sole disorder but rather it is seen only in the presence of concurrent alcohol or other drug abuse. However, data does not support this belief. In a study conducted at the University of Washington, 74 percent of 225 respondents to a media advertisement stated that they were adversely involved only with marijuana. A second factor may be because the physical withdrawal from marijuana is generally mild. It could be argued that chronic smokers do not need or will not seek out treatment. However, 68 percent of the respondents to this survey were definitely interested in participating in treatment if it were available. Since that study, other reports confirm that individuals with marijuana-related problems readily respond to advertisements for treatment, and the majority of them do not abuse other substances. Also, such respondents report significant impairment and multiple signs of dependence. These findings suggest that the development of treatments for marijuana dependence is warranted.   Currently two studies for marijuana dependence are being conducted by Aimee McRae, PharmD, at the Clinical Neuroscience Division of the Institute of Psychiatry. One study involves the use of buspirone, an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of general anxiety. In studies focusing on the treatment of alcohol-dependent patients with concomitant anxiety, buspirone has been shown to reduce anxiety as well as improve substance use outcomes. A pilot study previously conducted by McRae has indicated that it may be successful in the treatment of marijuana dependent patients as well. The other study involves the pharmacologic treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in individuals with marijuana dependence. Marijuana has been reported in several studies as the most commonly used drug by adults with ADHD. Individuals with ADHD may use substances for a variety of reasons including impulsivity, impaired social and occupational functioning, and self-medication. It is hypothesized that treatment of ADHD in adults with marijuana dependence could help reduce their use of marijuana.    Anyone who is struggling with marijuana dependence, or for anyone seeking information, call 792-4815, or e-mail simpsost@musc.edu.   Additional studies being conducted within the Clinical Neuroscience Division focus on posttraumatic stress disorder, relapse to substance use, and cigarette smoking. Information regarding other ongoing research projects can be obtained by calling 792-5215. Editor's note: The preceding column was brought to you on behalf of Health First. Striving to bring various topics and representing numerous employee wellness organizations and committees on campus, this weekly column seeks to provide MUSC, MUHA, and UMA employees with current and helpful information concerning all aspects of health.     Friday, June 16, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publication at 849-1778, ext. 201.