The Relationship Between Brain Activity and Craving Among Individuals With Cannabis Use Disorder

Objectives:

 Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance in the world.  Craving is one of the most important treatment challenges in people with cannabis use disorder. The study aims to evaluate the relationship between brain activity and craving among people with cannabis use disorder.

Methods :

This is a descriptive-analytical study. Participants were 20 patients with cannabis use disorder, who were selected by a convenience sampling method. Resting-state quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) data were recorded in resting state with eyes closed and eyes open, and their craving was measured by the marijuana craving questionnaire-short form. The data were analyzed in MATLAB software, version 22.

Results :

In open eyes conditions, a significant negative correlation was observed between craving and relative power in the theta band, particularly in the frontal and temporal regions (P<0.05). Additionally, in both open and closed eye conditions, a significant positive correlation was identified between craving and relative power in the beta and gamma bands, specifically in the frontal, occipital, and central regions (P<0.05). 

Conclusion :

There is a significant relationship between craving and changes in the activity of different brain regions in people with cannabis use disorder. It is necessary to pay attention to the neurobiological aspects of addiction to cannabis during the treatment process.