Lifetime Influences for Cannabis Cessation in Male Incarcerated Indigenous Australians

Abstract

Introduction: Urban non-indigenous populations report life events (marriages, employment) as influences for self-initiated cannabis cessation. However, this hasn’t been investigated in remote indigenous populations with different social paradigms. Methods: We investigate cannabis use, harms, and poly-substance misuse in 101 consenting male incarcerated indigenous Australians. Interviews applied quantitative and qualitative questions assessing demographic characteristics, criminal history, drug use, the Marijuana Problems Inventory (MPI), and cannabis-cessation influences. Comparisons used Chi Square, Analysis of Variance, and Nvivo software. Results: Cannabis use groups (current users, ex-users, and never users) were demographically similar except that current users reported more juvenile legal problems, younger school departure, and lower school achievement (p < 0.05). Mean cannabis consumption was 12.3 cones/day. Incarceration and family responsibilities were the strongest cessation influences. Employment responsibilities and negative self-image were rarely cited as influences. Discussion: High cannabis use, with its associated problems, is concerning. These identified influences indicate incarceration should be used for substance reduction programs, plus post-release follow-up. Community-based programs focusing on positive influences, such as family responsibilities and social cohesion, may be successful within indigenous populations with strong kinship responsibilities, rather than programs that focus solely on substance harms.

Keywords:

• cannabis
• cessation
• incarceration
• indigenous
• poly drug use
• substance abuse

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Queensland Corrective Service (QCS) and Lotus Glen Correctional Centre (LGCC). Thank you to the inmates for their time, input, and participation in the research. The views in this article do not represent those of QCS. QCS and LGCC had no role in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data in the writing of the manuscript.