Admission Delays in Receiving Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder Among U.S. Adolescents

Limited research has explored treatment delays among adolescents with cannabis use disorder, despite the potential negative impact on treatment outcomes, especially in youth. This study examined patterns and predictors of treatment delays among U.S. adolescents with cannabis use disorder in publicly funded treatment settings.

The study used nationwide data from the 2012 to 2022 Treatment Episode Data Set-Admissions, which included 124,501 adolescents (aged 12-17 years) diagnosed with cannabis use disorder. Admission delay was defined as waiting more than 1 day for care from first request for substance use treatment service. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression identified trends and associated factors.

Approximately 31.0% of adolescents experienced treatment delay over the study period. Treatment delays peaked in 2012-2013 (37.5%-38.1%), declined through 2018 (26.1%), but rose again to 33.8% by 2022. Longer delays (over a week) were more frequent in 2021-2022 than in previous years, with 5.4% waiting at least 30 days in 2022. Delays were more frequent among youth aged 12-14 years than among those aged 15-17 years. Males (OR=1.11, 95% CI=1.08, 1.14) and White non-Hispanic adolescents (OR=1.29, 95% CI=1.25, 1.34) had higher odds of delay than female and Hispanic adolescents, respectively. Homeless youth and those in independent living were less likely to experience delays. Healthcare referrals (OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.35, 1.51) were associated with greater delays than self-referrals. Delays were also significantly more likely for those adolescents in rehabilitation/residential and outpatient settings than in detox services.

Treatment delays for adolescent patients with cannabis use disorder have resurged since 2019, particularly affecting younger adolescents, White non-Hispanic youth, and those in nondetox settings. Addressing treatment delay is critical to improving access and outcomes for adolescent cannabis use disorder treatment.