[Social profile of young people seeking treatment for cannabis abuse]

The aim of this study was to determine the social profile and sociodemographic characteristics of young people seeking treatment for cannabis dependence.

Participants (n = 75) aged 18-30 who met the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for cannabis dependence and sought treatment were interviewed about their social and psychological background. Clients meeting the diagnostic criteria for alcohol or substance dependence were excluded.

The mean age was 24 years; 82% were male; 87% were receiving financial assistance from the state. 8% had lost a parent, 61% reported that at least one of their parents abused alcohol, cannabis or hard drugs. 52% had had previous conduct problems. 49% had been exposed to bullying. 70% had changed school two or more times, 50% had a history of learning difficulties, 44% had been expelled from school. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND: 58% had received a sentence, 20% because of violence; of their parents, 19% had received a sentence, 10% because of violence.

The results indicate that the previously identified risk factors for substance abuse are also present among young people in treatment for cannabis dependence. These young people are also characterised by having changed school many times. The cannabis abusers in the present study were younger and less socioeconomically stable than the participants in the five previously published controlled trials on treatment for cannabis dependence. Development and testing of cannabis dependence interventions with a sample that is younger, less educated and less socioeconomically stable than has been studied in prior research are needed.