A Growing Issue: An Increased Number Are Entering Drug Treatment for Cannabis Use Across Europe

New research published in the journal European Addiction Research paints a picture of drug treatment services for cannabis-related problems between 2003 – 2014 across 22 European countries.

Notably, it suggests that, on the whole, during the period in question the overall number and proportion of first-time service users increased significantly.

Reasons for this, the study claims, could include an increase in the availability of cannabis, as well as the prevalence of cannabis-related problems.

Other explanations may involve changing perceptions of the risks associated with the drug, increases in potency, changing referral practices and the availability to access to treatment services.

The article concludes with suggesting that more research is needed to understand the many national specificities of cannabis use and its related treatment services across Europe in order to develop more appropriate responses that address the growing issue.

Click here to read the full paper.