Dependent cannabis users at a music festival Prevalence and correlates

Summary, in English

Aim: In western countries, the most prevalent type of illicit substance-use dependence is cannabis dependence. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of cannabis dependence among music festival visitors. Methods: Based on a survey of 380 music festival guests, we estimated the prevalence of cannabis dependence, as defined by a score of 3 or more on the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS), as well as characteristics of cannabis dependent visitors. Results: 143 (38%) reported having used cannabis within the past year (past year cannabis users), and of these respondents, 21 (15%) screened positive for cannabis dependence. Compared to other cannabis users, the dependent respondents were more likely to be daily smokers, and they scored higher on self-reported sensation seeking. Compared with past-year non-users, both dependent users and non-dependent users were more likely to be men, weekly heavy drinkers, daily smokers and to score high on sensation seeking. Conclusions: Out of the past-year cannabis users recruited at a music festival, one in seven of those respondents showed indication of cannabis dependence. This suggests a need for both available treatment options and primary prevention of dependence.

• Author: Morten Hesse; Sébastien Tutenges
• Publishing year: 2011-12-01
• Language: English
• Pages: 433-437
• Publication/Series: Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 6
• Links: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/09687637.2011.565387
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: Informa Healthcare
• Topic: Social Sciences Interdisciplinary
• Status: Published
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 0968-7637