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The Effects of Alcohol and Cannabis Co-use on Neurocognitive Function, Brain Structure, and Brain Function

  • Addictions (M Potenza and E DeVito, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Given increases in the rates of alcohol and cannabis co-use among adolescents and young adults, this review aims to summarize literature on the effects of alcohol and cannabis co-use on neurocognitive functioning, brain structure, and brain function.

Recent Findings

The limited existing studies examining concurrent, recent, and lifetime alcohol and cannabis co-use suggest effects on the brain are likely multifaceted. The majority of studies report that co-use is associated with negative outcomes such as impaired cognitive function and significant alterations in key structural and functional regions of the brain, while others report null effects of co-use compared to non-substance using control and single-substance use groups.

Summary

Current studies lack a general consensus on methodology, definitions of concurrent and simultaneous use, and neuroimaging approaches, which makes it challenging to draw strong conclusions about the effects of co-use. More studies are needed to explore the effects of co-use in the context of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Funding

This work was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (R01DA039924; PI Ansell) and by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (R00AA25401; PI Blaine).

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  1. Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, 214 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Margaret F. Bedillion, Eric D. Claus & Emily B. Ansell

  2. Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA

    Sara K. Blaine

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Bedillion, M.F., Blaine, S.K., Claus, E.D. et al. The Effects of Alcohol and Cannabis Co-use on Neurocognitive Function, Brain Structure, and Brain Function. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 8, 134–149 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40473-021-00243-8

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