Cannabis Dependence in Young Adults: An Australian Population Study

• NCJ Number: 196053
• Journal: Addiction Volume: 97 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2002 Pages: 187-194
• Author(s): Carolyn Coffey; John B. Carlin; Louisa Degenhardt; Michael Lynskey; Lena Sanci; George C. Patton
• Date Published: February 2002
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This paper seeks to report cannabis use in a representative population of young adults; examine cannabis dependence symptoms according to frequency in the dependence syndrome; and contrast the symptomatology of cannabis and alcohol syndromes.

Abstract

In a 1998 survey of 1,601 young adults, 59 percent reported lifetime use of cannabis, 17 percent used at least weekly, and 7 percent met criteria for cannabis dependence. Symptom prevalence in dependent cannabis users was: persistent desire; unintentional use; withdrawal; excessive time obtaining/using; continued use despite health problems; tolerance; and social consequences. Dependent cannabis users reported compulsive and out-of-control use more frequently than dependent alcohol users, withdrawal similarly, and tolerance less often. The paper claims that the differing profiles of cannabis and alcohol dependence, particularly with regard to craving, draws attention to the need for further study of cannabis dependence as an important and distinct disorder in young adults. Tables, references