Abstract
Purpose
To examine the types of presenting problems and symptoms among individuals seeking treatment for cannabis-related problems in a large treatment centre in Ontario.
Methods
Data from assessment interviews conducted with clients who identified cannabis as their primary drug problem (n=426) were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results
The majority of people seeking treatments were male (80%) and single (77%). Cannabis treatment seekers varied in their socio-demographic characteristics, drug consumption, pressure to seek treatment, and adverse consequences of cannabis use. They experienced a broad range of substance-related problems, however, the majority were classified as below the action stage in terms of readiness to change their drug consumption. Daily users were older, more likely to be employed, to be cannabis dependent, to suffer from an anxiety disorder, and to use multiple substances.
Discussion
Cannabis treatment seekers are a heterogeneous group. A better understanding of the relationship between client characteristics and different interventions may improve outcomes.
Résumé
Objectif
Examiner les types de problèmes et de symptômes présentés par les personnes voulant se faire soigner pour des problèmes liés au cannabis dans un grand centre de désintoxication de l’Ontario.
Méthode
Au moyen de statistiques descriptives, nous avons analysé les données d’entretiens d’évaluation menés avec des clients ayant déclaré que leur principal problème de drogue était le cannabis (n=426).
Résultats
Les personnes voulant se faire soigner étaient en majorité des hommes (80 %) et étaient célibataires (77 %). Le profil socio-démographique, la consommation de drogues, la pression à se faire soigner et les conséquences négatives de la consommation de cannabis variaient selon la personne voulant se faire soigner pour un problème de cannabis. Ces personnes éprouvaient un vaste éventail de problèmes d’abus de substances psychoactives, mais n’étaient pas encore prêtes, en majorité, à passer à l’action et à modifier leur consommation de drogues. Les utilisateurs quotidiens étaient plus âgés et plus susceptibles d’occuper un emploi, d’être dépendants du cannabis, de souffrir de troubles anxieux et de consommer plusieurs substances psychoactives.
Discussion
Les personnes voulant se faire soigner pour un problème de cannabis forment un groupe hétérogène. Une meilleure compréhension de la relation entre le profil des clients et les diverses interventions possibles pourrait améliorer les résultats du traitement.
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