NCJ Number
184160
Journal
Journal of Drug Education Volume: 29 Issue: 4 Dated: 1999 Pages: 337-357
Date Published
1999
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study used both open-ended and multiple-choice surveys, as well as health educator-led focus groups to assess issues related to marijuana use and cessation among a population of high-risk youth.
Abstract
A total of 842 students participated; they were assessed as two separate samples from 11 continuation high schools in southern California. Approximately 70 percent of the students were marijuana users at the time of the study. Interpreting results across both samples, it was apparent that interest in quitting marijuana use among continuation high school students was high. Over half of the marijuana users surveyed had tried to quit and failed. Still, several social images associated with marijuana smokers were positive, and subjects expressed a lack of confidence in the efficacy of marijuana cessation clinic programs. Subjects believed that either self-help or punitive methods were the most effective types of marijuana cessation activities. A reportedly high rate of failed attempts to quit marijuana use suggests that effective marijuana cessation programs are needed in this population. Future programs must address both reasons users resist change, including use of marijuana as a stress reliever, and the particular motivations that subjects report regarding why they desire to quit using marijuana, including legal, vocational, and health consequences. 7 tables and 35 references