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Fundamental Characteristics, Attitudes and Behaviors Regarding Substance Use Focusing on Cannabis: Findings from the General Population Survey in Turkey, 2011

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Abstract

Cannabis is the most prevalent illicit drug used in the world. We aimed to determine prevalence and some characteristics of cannabis use in Turkey. The study was based on a cross-sectional survey conducted with a nationally representative sample of 8045 individuals with in-house interviews. The life-time prevalence of substance use was found as 2.8%. Cannabis with 0.7% life-time prevalence, was the most commonly used substance. Cannabis users were concerned about some adverse outcomes such as anxiety with withdrawal (14%), losing control about using the drug (14%), daily performance problems (10.9%) and problems about interpersonal violence (6.9%). 35.1% of them wanted to quit and 18% regretted using cannabis. Prevalence of cannabis use is lower in Turkey compared with most of the other countries in the world. Nevertheless, it is a significant health concern. Identifying characteristics and attitudes related with cannabis use may help to improve policies about protective measures.

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All the authors have substantially contributed to the preparation of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Zeynep Kotan.

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Kotan, Z., Ilhan, S.O., Ilhan, M.N. et al. Fundamental Characteristics, Attitudes and Behaviors Regarding Substance Use Focusing on Cannabis: Findings from the General Population Survey in Turkey, 2011. Community Ment Health J 55, 709–713 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-018-0328-7

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