Evaluating the Effects of Cannabis and Current Treatment Strategies
Cannabis is one of the most widely used illicit drugs, and it is reported to be particularly popular among youth in Canada. In fact, based on an international survey, it was found that Canadian youth ranked first in the world for cannabis use. Data such as this ought to raise concern within the community, as young people are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of substance use. Previous research has uncovered links between cannabis use and negative cognitive, physical, and mental health outcomes. Among youth, cannabis use may lead to deficits in learning, reduced academic achievements, and increased levels of anxiety to name a few. Moreover, it has been found that early and frequent cannabis use increases the probability of using other illicit drugs (i.e., cocaine) later in life. What is more surprising, however, is that many adolescents believe that cannabis is harmless and non-addictive despite evidence against these claims.
Given the upcoming legalization of cannabis, it is important that researchers focus their attention on whether the drug impacts males and females differently. Previous studies have hinted that males are more likely to use cannabis, but females may suffer poorer socioeconomic and mental health status as a result. By studying potential differences, it may be possible to improve the services that are available to youth who are seeking treatment.
This study examined the profiles of male and female youth who were receiving treatment in an outpatient facility. More specifically, the sample of patients were recruited from the Youth Addiction and Concurrent Disorder Service at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health. The researchers were particularly interested in studying the rates of substance use among this sample of individuals, as well as determining the potential implications of drug use on mental health. The profiles of over a thousand patients, aged 14 to 24 years old, were collected using a battery of questionnaires. Besides gathering basic demographic information (e.g., sex, age, etc.), the questionnaires assessed factors such as alcohol and drug involvement, mental health status (e.g., presence of externalizing and/or internalizing disorders), and rates of violence and crime.
Across the sample, almost all individuals admitted to using cannabis at an earlier age than what is considered average. Compared to young adults, adolescents were found to be using cannabis at a greater frequency. Moreover, male patients reported using cannabis more often than females, and were more likely to label cannabis as a problematic drug. On the other hand, females were more likely to use multiple different substances alongside cannabis, and were prone to displaying co-occurring mental health problems.
The results of this study expand upon the current literature and offer important guidelines for future research and care. Services aimed at treating drug use and improving mental health ought to consider how factors such as age and sex impact individuals differently. More specifically, this study supports a push towards tailoring treatment plans based on differences in needs, motivation, and help-seeking behaviors. While there are numerous services available to youth, there is an urgent need to integrate the sectors concerned with mental health treatment and substance use management.
Source:
Hawke, L. D., Koyama, E., & Henderson, J. (2018). Cannabis use, other substance use, and co-occurring mental health concerns among youth presenting for substance use treatment services: Sex and age differences. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 91, 12-19.
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