Reprioritizing dependence and abuse: A comparison of cannabis clients in treatment with a nontreatment sample of users

Abstract

Despite the growing literatures on cannabis dependence, and urgent declarations as to treatment need, there is a scarcity of data on cannabis problems as a primary reason for treatment. This article compares characteristics of cannabis treatment seekers with those of a nontreatment sample of users. Findings are reported from two independent studies that included items from the DSM-IV criteria for diagnosing substance dependence and abuse. Other survey items covered different drug reactions, both positive and negative, commonly attributed to cannabis consumption. Adverse reactions, as expected, were more often reported by users in treatment, and positive effects by those in the nontreatment group. Expected differences on DSM measures of impairment were least pronounced for symptoms of compulsion as compared to other problems of dependence or indicators of abuse. Put otherwise, adverse effects are more germane or distinctive to the treatment seeker's profile than dependence in and of itself. The findings are interpreted as evidence in favor of expanding harm reduction oriented treatment options to target cannabis misuse, or psychosocial and health problems, as opposed to “chronic” use of cannabis per se.

• Cannabis
• addiction treatment
• harm reduction