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Religion a protective factor against cannabis use


OZ Stoners

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Young adults who are religious are less likely to initiate cannabis use, delegates will be told today at a national cannabis conference. The study was the first of its kind amongst young adults, and although several potential protective factors were examined, only religiosity was found to protect against initiation.

The study also found a range of risk factors that contributed to young adults beginning cannabis use.

“Negative qualities of friendships, such as rarely feeling cared for by friends or often being criticised by friends, appears to be an important trigger for cannabis use. Young adults who are heavy drinkers and tobacco smokers are also at increased risk,” said Dr Edmund Silins, from the University of New South Wales.

Dr Silins, from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, will be presenting the study’s findings at the 2nd National Cannabis Conference, held in Brisbane from 19-21 September 2012. The conference is run by the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC), which is based at the University of New South Wales.

Fun-seeking, similar to sensation seeking and impulsivity, orientated young adults to initiate but not continue with cannabis use, whereas psychoticism, a personality trait characterized by tough-mindedness and nonconformity, increased the likelihood of persisting with cannabis use in young adulthood. Furthermore, males were found to be more vulnerable than females to relapse and to persistent cannabis use.

“These findings suggest that cannabis interventions which target young adults should be broad-based and include multi-substance and personality targeted strategies, conflict resolution skills and the promotion of health enhancing values,” said Dr Silins.

“Knowing more about the risk and protective factors associated with cannabis use is extremely important when developing appropriate prevention messages,” said Professor Jan Copeland, Director of NCPIC.

“Cannabis remains the most widely used illicit substance in Australia today. Unfortunately there is evidence to suggest that there are some groups who are more vulnerable to the negative effects of the drug and that use may be rising amongst these populations, such as Indigenous Australians. It is therefore imperative that we develop more effective prevention messages that are evidence-based.”

NCPIC is an Australian Government initiative supported by the Department of Health and Ageing.

Cannabis Information and Helpline – 1800 30 40 50
NCPIC website – www.ncpic.org.au
ends

Contact Details:
Morag Millington, tel. (02) 9385 0213, 0431 981 046, email: m.millington@unsw.edu.au
Paul Dillon, tel. (02) 9385 0226, 0419 402 099 email p.dillon@unsw.edu.au
Date Issued: 20th September 2012



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