Patterns of use, cannabis beliefs and dependence:
study of 159 adolescent users
by
Chabrol H, Massot E, Montovany A, Chouicha K, Armitage J.
Centres d'etudes et de recherche en psychopathologie,
universite de Toulouse-Le Mirail, 31058 Toulouse, France.
chabrol@univ-tlse2.fr
Arch Pediatr 2002 Aug;9(8):780-8

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the connections between the frequency and patterns of cannabis use and dependence, and the beliefs linked to cannabis use in a sample of adolescents. METHOD: In 2001, 285 high school students (163 boys, 122 girls; mean age = 17.5 +/- 1.1 years) completed questionnaires assessing the patterns of cannabis use, and the symptoms of dependence and abuse, using a questionnaire derived from the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Cannabis-related beliefs were assessed using the Beliefs Questionnaire for Drug Addiction. RESULTS: Frequency of subjects who reported having used cannabis during the last year was 65.4% of boys and 42.6% of girls. Among users, 53.6% of boys and 39.3% of girls were regular users, 10.6% of boys and 7.8% of girls being daily users. Almost half of the users reported other means of consumption than "joints", in particular water-pipes or "bongs" (34.5% of boys, 26.4% of girls). Among users, near of 33% of boys and girls met the criteria for cannabis dependence. Dependence was more frequent in users practicing other means of consumption than "joints", increasing to 51% for "bong" users. Expectancies of pleasure or relief, and permissive beliefs reflecting the perception of cannabis use as risk free were higher in users and, particularly, in subjects with cannabis dependence. Regression analysis showed that these beliefs were the strongest predictors of cannabis use and dependence. Predictors of use in the total sample were expectancies of pleasure and permissive beliefs, being a male and the age of the subject. Predictors of dependence among users were expectancies of relief, frequency of use, and use of other means of consumption than "joints". CONCLUSIONS: Cannabis use in adolescents appeared to be characterized by the frequency of use, consumption by means other than "joints" and by the frequency of dependence. Cannabis use and dependence are linked to expectancies and permissive beliefs that could be targeted for prevention and treatment.

Cannabinoids
Just say know
The hungry hydra
The drug test FAQ
Anandamide/sperm
The nectar of delight
Abstinence syndrome
Cannabinoid receptors
Cannabis and the brain
Cannabinoid antagonists
Cannabis and schizophrenia
Endocannabinoid hydrolases
From cannabis to cannabinergics
Smoked marijuana versus oral THC

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15

HOME

Refs
HedWeb
Future Opioids
BLTC Research
Paradise-Engineering
Utopian Pharmacology
The Hedonistic Imperative
When Is It Best To Take Crack Cocaine?

The Good Drug Guide
The Responsible Parent's Guide
To Healthy Mood Boosters For All The Family