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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.