RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Frequent alcohol, nicotine or cannabis use is common in young persons presenting for mental healthcare: a cross-sectional study
JF BMJ Open
JO BMJ Open
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP e002229
DO 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-002229
VO 3
IS 2
A1 Daniel F Hermens
A1 Elizabeth M Scott
A1 Django White
A1 Marta Lynch
A1 Jim Lagopoulos
A1 Bradley G Whitwell
A1 Sharon L Naismith
A1 Ian B Hickie
YR 2013
UL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/3/2/e002229.abstract
AB Objectives To determine the prevalence of recent alcohol, nicotine or cannabis use in young persons presenting for mental healthcare. Design A cross-sectional study of young people seeking mental healthcare completed self-report questionnaires regarding their use of alcohol, nicotine or cannabis. Setting Data were collected from two sites as part of the national headspace services programme. Participants 2122 young people aged 12–30 years provided information as part of a patient register; a subset of N=522 participants also provided more detailed information about their patterns of alcohol use. Outcome measures Prevalence levels of recent alcohol, nicotine or cannabis use within relevant age bands (12–17, 18–19 and 20–30) or primary diagnostic categories. Results The rates for use at least weekly of alcohol for the three age bands were 12%, 39% and 45%, and for cannabis 7%, 14% and 18%, respectively. The rates of daily nicotine use for the three age bands were 23%, 36% and 41%. The pattern of alcohol use was characterised by few abstainers as well as many risky drinkers. Age of onset across all three substances was approximately 15 years. Individuals who used any of the three substances more frequently were likely to be older, male or have psychotic or bipolar disorders. Conclusions Frequent use of alcohol, nicotine or cannabis in young people seeking mental healthcare is common. Given the restricted legal access, the patterns of use in those aged 12–17 years are particularly notable. Reductions in substance use needs to be prioritised within services for at-risk young people.