Patterns of cannabis use, abuse and dependence over time: incidence, progression and stability in a sample of 1228 adolescents

Abstract

Cannabis use was almost as widespread in this sample of adolescents in Germany as in similar age groups in metropolitan areas of North America. There was a relatively low spontaneous remission rate among regular and repeated users. Cannabis use in adolescence appears to be less transient than many people would believe.

Are psychotic experiences among detained juvenile offenders explained by trauma and substance use?

“…This finding is of particular interest since frequent and heavy marihuana use occurs almost universally among detained adolescents (Perkonigg et al, 1999;Wong et al, 1997). The current move to liberalize and/or legalize the use of marihuana in European countries may therefore be questioned (Zammit et al, 2002).…”

High prevalence rates of tobacco, alcohol and drug use in adolescents and young adults in France: Results from the GAZEL Youth study

“…These youths may be at high risk of substance-related disorders and poor social outcomes in adulthood. To date, few studies have followed adolescents to examine long-term trajectories of substance-related disorders and additional research in this area is greatly needed (Perkonigg et al, 1999;Windle & Wiesner, 2004).…”

“…Moreover, there is evidence that youths start using psychoactive substances at earlier ages than in the past (Monshouwer et al, 2005;Perkonigg et al, 2006). This is of concern because adolescents who regularly use psychoactive substances are at high risk of substance-related abuse or dependence, as well as employment problems and delinquency later in life (Ellickson et al, 2003;Perkonigg et al, 1999;Riala et al, 2004). The earlier substance use is initiated the worse the adult outcomes (Arseneault et al, 2002;Ellickson et al, 2003).…”

From First Drug Use to Drug Dependence Developmental Periods of Risk for Dependence upon Marijuana, Cocaine, and Alcohol

“…By comparison, among persons who had tried alcoholic beverages at least once, about one in 6 or 7, or 15%, had become alcohol dependent (Anthony et al 1994). In the present study, we extend this look at the comparative epidemiology of drug dependence, but here our focus is upon estimation of the age-specific and time-specific risks of progression from first drug use to dependence, separately for marijuana, cocaine, and (for comparison) alcoholic beverages (hereinafter, 'alcohol').Prior studies have conveyed estimates of age-specific risk for first alcohol use and alcohol dependence, as well as risk estimates for initiation of illicit use and dependence on controlled drugs in general (e.g., Kandel and Logan 1984;Eaton et al 1989;Warner et al 1995;Chen and Kandel 1995;Johnson and Gerstein 1998;Perkonigg et al 1999;DeWit et al 2000). The role of early onset of drug use and progression to initial and problematic use of other drugs also has been studied in some detail (e.g., Kandel 1985;Anthony and Petronis 1995;Grant 1998;Grant and Dawson 1998).…”

“…Prior studies have conveyed estimates of age-specific risk for first alcohol use and alcohol dependence, as well as risk estimates for initiation of illicit use and dependence on controlled drugs in general (e.g., Kandel and Logan 1984;Eaton et al 1989;Warner et al 1995;Chen and Kandel 1995;Johnson and Gerstein 1998;Perkonigg et al 1999;DeWit et al 2000). The role of early onset of drug use and progression to initial and problematic use of other drugs also has been studied in some detail (e.g., Kandel 1985;Anthony and Petronis 1995;Grant 1998;Grant and Dawson 1998).…”