Cannabis was the primary concern for 15% of people entering drug treatment in New South Wales

What the researchers found

Of 14,087 treatment entrants, alcohol was the primary concern for 43%, opioids for 22%, amphetamine-type stimulants for 18%, cannabis for 15%, and cocaine for 2%. Two-thirds were male, half were aged 20-39, and large proportions reported poor psychological health (47-59%), poor physical health (32-44%), and poor quality of life (43-52%). Polysubstance use was common, particularly among opioid and stimulant groups. Daily tobacco use ranged from 53-82% across groups.

Why it matters

This is one of the largest Australian studies characterizing people entering public drug treatment, showing that cannabis treatment seekers have high rates of social disadvantage and poor health comparable to those seeking help for other substances.

The numbers in context

14,087 treatment entrants; 66.5% male; 86.7% Australian-born; cannabis primary concern for 2,098 (15%); poor psychological health: 47-59%; poor physical health: 32-44%; poor quality of life: 43-52%; daily tobacco: 53-82%

How the study worked

Baseline analysis of a prospective cohort study using Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile assessments and electronic medical records from six NSW local health districts/networks, covering treatment entries from July 2016 to June 2019.

What this study cannot tell us

Limited to publicly funded treatment services in one Australian state. People who do not seek treatment are not represented. Self-reported health measures may not reflect clinical assessments. Cannabis group characteristics may differ in other countries.

How to read the evidence

Large prospective cohort from multiple health districts with standardized assessment tools, though limited to one Australian state and publicly funded services.

When this study was published

Published 2023 using 2016-2019 data

The bigger picture

The high prevalence of polysubstance use and poor health across all primary drug groups suggests that treatment services need comprehensive, holistic approaches rather than substance-specific programs.

Questions still open

• How do treatment outcomes compare across primary drug groups? Do cannabis treatment seekers have different long-term trajectories than those presenting for other substances?

Common questions

Read the original research

Substance use, socio-demographic characteristics, and self-rated health of people seeking alcohol and other drug treatment in New South Wales: baseline findings from a cohort study.

The Medical journal of Australia, 219(5), 218-226

Citation

Black, Emma; Bruno, Raimondo; Mammen, Kristie; Mills, Llewellyn; Siefried, Krista J; Deacon, Rachel M; Shakeshaft, Anthony; Dunlop, Adrian J; Ezard, Nadine; Montebello, Mark; Childs, Steven; Reid, David; Holmes, Jennifer; Lintzeris, Nicholas. (2023). Substance use, socio-demographic characteristics, and self-rated health of people seeking alcohol and other drug treatment in New South Wales: baseline findings from a cohort study.. The Medical journal of Australia, 219(5), 218-226. https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.52039

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