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Assessing need for marijuana dependence treatment through an anonymous telephone interview
The International Journal of the Addictions
|July 1, 1987
Summary
A study found that most chronic marijuana users calling for help experienced problems solely from marijuana. The majority were interested in treatment and did not report concurrent abuse of other substances.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
- Cannabis Research
Background:
- Public service announcements targeted adult chronic marijuana users concerned about their smoking habits.
- Concerns about adverse health effects associated with marijuana use prompted the study.
- Understanding the profile of individuals seeking marijuana cessation support is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify a population of chronic, dysfunctional marijuana users seeking treatment.
- To determine if these users were interested in treatment for marijuana use disorder.
- To assess the prevalence of concurrent alcohol and/or other psychoactive drug abuse among these individuals.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous telephone interviews were conducted with 225 individuals.
- Participants responded to public service announcements about marijuana use.
- Data collected focused on marijuana use consequences and interest in treatment.
Main Results:
- 73.8% of callers experienced adverse consequences solely from marijuana use.
- 92% of individuals expressed interest in receiving treatment for marijuana use.
- Only 18% had prior experience with drug or alcohol treatment programs.
Conclusions:
- A significant population of chronic marijuana users experiencing marijuana-only related problems exists.
- These individuals demonstrate a high interest in treatment for their marijuana use.
- The findings suggest a need for targeted interventions for marijuana use disorder, independent of other substance abuse.