Substance Use and Psychosocial Outcomes Following Participation in Residential Laboratory Studies of Marijuana, Methamphetamine and Zolpidem

Abstract

Rationale: Non-therapeutic research with drugs of abuse in humans is important for a more comprehensive understanding of substance abuse and for the development of more effective treatments. However, the administration of substances from drug classes with abuse potential to human volunteers raises ethical questions regarding potential risk to study volunteers. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the psychosocial functioning and reported drug-taking behavior of volunteers before and after participating in a residential laboratory study, during which either marijuana, methamphetamine or zolpidem was administered. Methods: Twenty-two volunteers were administered Addiction Severity Index (ASI) interviews at intake and approximately six months following their study participation. Results: No significant differences between intake and follow-up assessments were found on any ASI composite or drug/alcohol-taking variable. Conclusion: These preliminary data suggest that participation in residential laboratory studies involving the administration of drugs from classes with abuse potential does not alter subsequent psychosocial functioning or reported drug use.

Keywords:

• Abuse potential
• Ambien
• cannabis
• drug administration
• humans
• stimulants

Notes

Supported by NIDA grants DA-03746, DA-09236.

Portions of this research were presented at the annual meeting of the College of Problems on Drug Dependence, June, 2004.