A new study found that the number of people with cannabis use disorder (CUD) who received treatment for the condition declined between 2003 and 2019. The corresponding study was published in Substance Use and Misuse.
“Cannabis use disorder treatment is often overshadowed by treatments for other substance use disorders, despite its growing prevalence and impact. Barriers to treatment are not only widespread but also evolving over time,” senior author of the study, Brian D. Graves, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University, said in a press release.
“Understanding these shifting challenges – and the consistent predictors of who does and doesn’t get help – can guide targeted efforts to expand access and improve outcomes for those struggling with this disorder,” he added.
For the study, the researchers analyzed data from the 2003, 2011, and 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health datasets on individuals who met diagnostic criteria for CUD. In particular, they examined factors that predict receipt of CUD treatment and reasons for not receiving treatment.
Whereas 19% of people with CUD received treatment in 2003, the same was true for 13% in 2019, even though need remained high. Reasons for not seeking help varied and included not knowing where to find treatment, feeling unready to stop using cannabis, cost of treatment, concerns about stigma, and fears that seeking help could negatively impact their work.
The study also identified who were most likely to receive treatment: those who had received mental health services in the last year or who were under community supervision, such as probation or parole.
“Our findings highlight an urgent and growing need for targeted outreach and improved education about available treatment options for cannabis use disorder. Beyond simply increasing awareness, we must address the practical obstacles – like affordability and access – as well as the perceptual barriers such as stigma and misinformation that prevent many individuals from seeking help," said Graves.
Sources: EurekAlert, Substance Use and Misuse