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Estimating the Demand for Treatment for Cannabis-related Problems in Canada

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Abstract

Recent data from Western countries suggest that over 20% of clients entering addiction treatment report cannabis problems, and that this figure is increasing. The present study provides a preliminary description of the national demand for publicly funded cannabis treatment in Canada. Provincial reporting systems were surveyed on reporting practices and the characteristics of clients seeking help for cannabis problems. Reporting practices were found to vary widely across provinces. According to the most recently available data (collected between 2001 and 2004), approximately one-quarter of clients entering publicly funded addiction treatment in Canada report cannabis problems. These are predominantly young men, with a high rate of legal problems. Despite the non-trivial prevalence, little is known about the effectiveness of services in this subgroup of clients. Reliable data on treatment demand and changes in the composition of treatment systems is essential if resources are to be allocated appropriately and service accessibility and availability are to be guaranteed.

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Notes

  1. See http://www.ccsa.ca/CCSA/EN/Research/Research_Activities/TreatmentIndicatorsProject.htm for more information on this initiative.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the representatives of the provincial and regional government agencies who participated in the data collection process, and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse for providing the initial impetus for the study. Comments from Dr. Pat Erickson on an earlier version of the manuscript are also much appreciated. This research was supported by internal funds only.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada

    Brian Rush & Karen Urbanoski

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  1. Brian Rush
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  2. Karen Urbanoski
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Correspondence to Brian Rush.

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Rush, B., Urbanoski, K. Estimating the Demand for Treatment for Cannabis-related Problems in Canada. Int J Ment Health Addiction 5, 181–186 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-007-9061-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-007-9061-0

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