24/10/2007 00:00:00
UK: Cannabis use worsens social problems
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Heavy cannabis use among vulnerable young people exacerbates their
social problems more than the user realises, according to a new study.
A report for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) found that when
various aspects of users lives were probed in detail that associations
between their use and problems such as unemployment, educational
under-achievement and homelessness became apparent.
The report found those with the greatest number of social problems
tended to use most heavily.
Researchers, drawing on 100 interviews with 16 to 25-year-olds who used
the drug every day for the past six months, found the consequences were
relatively benign for those in higher or further education.
Dr Margaret Melrose, the report's author, said: "Young people may not be
aware of the extent to which cannabis use might exacerbate their
existing social problems, and professionals who have had experience of
cannabis users in the past may assume the effects are relatively
harmless if they take young people's assessment of the impact of
cannabis use in their lives at face value.
"More probing may be required in order to explore the level and nature
of cannabis use and how this may be adding to a young person's problems."
http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/uk/cannabis+use+worsens+social+problems/953592
Source:
http://www.ukcia.org/news/shownewsarticle.php?articleid=12935
Author:
Channel 4 News via UKCIA
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