Why did cannabis treatment presentations rise in England from 2004-2005 to 2013-2014?

Drugs and Alcohol Today,Volume 17, Issue 4, Page 218-231, December 2017. Purpose Cannabis treatment entries rose significantly from 2004/2005 to 2013/2014, but there has been limited investigation into why this increase has occurred. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the plausibility of different explanations within the English context and identifies gaps in the literature. Design/methodology/approach Explanations have been categorised under: misreporting, increased probability of entering treatment and increased incidence of cannabis use disorder (CUD). The explanations are evaluated through published literature, data in the public domain and interview data. Interview participants included four practitioners, one senior manager, one commissioner, one journalist, one academic and one clinician. Findings Plausible and influential explanations are that an expanding treatment offer occurred alongside an expanding cohort of people needing support for CUD. The evidence suggests increased prevalence in the 1990s to early 2000s, and an increase in high-potency cannabis, led to a significant rise in need for cannabis treatment. Minor explanations relating to funding formulas, criminal justice referrals and the emergence of synthetic cannabinoids could also cumulatively have a substantial effect on the data. Research limitations/implications Due to the dearth of research in use and attitudes towards cannabis, there are some explanations which cannot be ruled out. Practical...
Source: Drugs and Alcohol Today - Category: Addiction Source Type: research