[Quitting hash. The readiness for behaviour change among cannabis users in Switzerland]

The study aims to identify factors that are associated with the willingness of adolescents and young adults to modify their cannabis use. It is hypothesized that frequency of use, cannabis-related problems and age of onset are associated with their willingness to change.

In 2004, a survey on cannabis use was conducted among 13 to 29 year-olds living in Switzerland. Of the 5025 participants 593 had taken cannabis during the past six months. They were then asked about their willingness to change. Three groups of users were compared: those not willing to change, those considering change, and those determined to change. Pearson Chi-square-tests and logistic regressions were performed to test the hypotheses.

Experience of problems motivates users to start thinking about changing their behavior. Frequent use and early onset are associated with young people not making the transition from considering changing behavior to resolving to do so.

The need to perceive problematic use as a first step towards change and the inhibiting effect of dependence-related factors on the transition from consideration to determination calls for tailored intervention approaches that are matched to the willingness to change.