The aim of this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study is to find out whether and how social and emotional brain function are altered in dependent cannabis users relative to healthy non-using control subjects after a 28 supervised abstinence period. Previous research in cannabis users has predominantly focused on cognitive functions. Moreover, studies have implicated that observed deficits in cannabis users may regenerate after a prolonged abstinence period. Findings might provide important information with respect to relapse vulnerability.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
43
University of Bonn / Department of Psychiatry
Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
fMRI neural activation patterns of social-emotional brain processes after 28 day abstinence
Activity patterns in core regions of the emotion processing \& addiction-related brain networks (e.g. striatal regions, insular cortex, prefrontal cortex) will be assessed after 28-days of abstinence. Alterations will be determined by comparison with matched non-drug using controls
Time frame: one timepoint = fMRI assessment after 28 day abstinence period
Ratings of subjective experience (pleasantness, rewarding value) will be assessed after 28 days of abstinence
Self-reported ratings of pleasantness \& rewarding value during soft-pleasant touch.
Time frame: one timepoint = during fMRI assessment after 28 day abstinence period
Relapse interview assessed with Timeline-Followback Method
Association between fMRI neural correlates and drug use during follow up period as predictor of relapse
Time frame: one timepoint = 24 months post-fMRI-session
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