Background: There has been an increase of cannabis-related disorders in Germany during the last 10 years. According treatments are being established, however little is known about the treatment populations.
Methods: The population of an outpatient treatment program for diagnosis and therapy of cannabis-related disorders was investigated using a structured interview (based on EuropASI, SCID-I) regarding sociodemographic variables, history of addiction, consumption patterns, and psychiatric comorbidity.
Results: The 90 patients studied had a mean age of 27.5+/-6.6 years; 82% were male. They claimed averages of cannabis consumption for 11+/-7 years and current amount at 1.9 g per day. Alcohol problems were also common in this sample. High percentages were shown regarding unemployment, living alone, and problems with the law. Comorbid psychiatric disorders were diagnosed in 42% of patients.
Conclusions: The patients were chronic users of cannabis with extensive psychosocial problems. Therapy of cannabis-related disorders should therefore include treatment for comorbidities and social care besides the treatment for addictive behavior.