University of Calgary: Studying cannabis dependence
Researchers investigate recovery process from addiction to the popular drug
(firmenpresse) - CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwire) -- 09/07/11 -- Cannabis, or marijuana, is the most widely-used illicit drug in the world, and it's estimated that one out of every 10 people who use it will develop a cannabis dependence disorder at some point in their lives.
A new study led by the University of Calgary's Clinical Psychology program is attempting to gain valuable knowledge on the recovery process from cannabis use disorders in order to help with treatment programs.
PhD Candidate and study lead Jonathan N. Stea says research shows that cannabis use can cause problems for people, and the risk of developing cannabis dependence disorder increases dramatically with the frequency of use.
"There is sometimes the misperception that cannabis is not at all a harmful drug, which I think stigmatizes and confuses those who do happen to suffer from a cannabis problem. Not all individuals who use cannabis will develop a problem, but some will, and my research is targeted towards helping those people."
Upwards of 45 per cent of Canadians have reported using cannabis at least once in their lifetime, with even higher rates found in British Columbia and Alberta. Of those who have tried the drug, 11 to 14 per cent have used in the past year. And of that group, nearly one in five report using cannabis daily.
"Unfortunately, not much is known about the recovery process from cannabis use disorders," says Stea. "While there's evidence that the treatment of cannabis use disorders appears promising, we also know that the majority of individuals with a cannabis problem do not seek professional treatment and that many of these individuals recover on their own."
The University of Calgary study will attempt to understand the differences between professionally-assisted and natural recovery as well as the benefits and risks of suddenly quitting the drug outright compared to those who meaningfully reduce their usage. Stea is currently looking to interview individuals in Calgary who have had a cannabis problem in the past but have been problem-free for at least one year.
David C. Hodgins, Stea's research supervisor and head of the University of Calgary's Psychology department, says it's important to have good scientific evidence if society wants to effectively address the issue of cannabis dependence and make good policy decisions. "This research will identify what happens for individuals as they develop and then recover from a cannabis problem."
"If we can improve our understanding of the recovery process from cannabis use disorders, we will then be able to improve the effectiveness of our formal treatments and develop evidence-based self-help materials that target people who do not seek formal treatment."
More information on the study and eligibility criteria can be found at: or by calling the Addictive Behaviours Laboratory at the University of Calgary: (403) 210-9580.
Researcher Jonathan N. Stea is available for interviews TODAY between 9 -11 a.m., to book an interview please contact James Stevenson.
Looking for a U of C expert for a story? Try our Experts Online:
Stay up to date with University of Calgary news headlines on Twitter (at)UCalgary
Contacts:
University of Calgary
James Stevenson
Senior Communications Manager, University Relations
403.210.6308 or Cell: 403.512.6756
Themen in dieser Pressemitteilung:
Unternehmensinformation / Kurzprofil:
Datum: 07.09.2011 - 14:06 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 63239
Anzahl Zeichen: 0
contact information:
Town:
CALGARY, ALBERTA
Kategorie:
Non Profits
Diese Pressemitteilung wurde bisher 215 mal aufgerufen.
Die Pressemitteilung mit dem Titel:
"University of Calgary: Studying cannabis dependence"
steht unter der journalistisch-redaktionellen Verantwortung von
University of Calgary (Nachricht senden)
Beachten Sie bitte die weiteren Informationen zum Haftungsauschluß (gemäß TMG - TeleMedianGesetz) und dem Datenschutz (gemäß der DSGVO).
