[Use of an outpatient treatment center for cannabis abuse].

BACKGROUND

There has been an increase of cannabis-related disorders in Germany during the last 10 years. According treatments are being established, however little is known about the treatment populations.

METHODS

The population of an outpatient treatment program for diagnosis and therapy of cannabis-related disorders was investigated using a structured interview (based on EuropASI, SCID-I) regarding sociodemographic variables, history of addiction, consumption patterns, and psychiatric comorbidity.

RESULTS

The 90 patients studied had a mean age of 27.5+/-6.6 years; 82% were male. They claimed averages of cannabis consumption for 11+/-7 years and current amount at 1.9 g per day. Alcohol problems were also common in this sample. High percentages were shown regarding unemployment, living alone, and problems with the law. Comorbid psychiatric disorders were diagnosed in 42% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The patients were chronic users of cannabis with extensive psychosocial problems. Therapy of cannabis-related disorders should therefore include treatment for comorbidities and social care besides the treatment for addictive behavior.