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Cannabis Dependence and Mental Health Perception Amongst People Diverted by Police After Arrest for Cannabis-Related Offending Behaviour in Australia

NCJ Number
212687
Journal
Criminal Behavior and Mental Health Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: 2005 Pages: 249-260
Author(s)
G. F. X. Feeney; J. P. Connor; R. McD. Young; J. Tucker; A. McPherson
Date Published
2005
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study describes substance abuse/misuse patterns and health perceptions utilizing a consecutive series of people in Queensland, who were spared a criminal record because of a cannabis diversion scheme.
Abstract
Many Australians come into contact with the criminal justice system as a consequence of illicit drug use. Research indicates that approximately one in three Australians report having used cannabis. In 1999, the Commonwealth of Australia endorsed a national approach to diversion as part of the National Illicit Drug Strategy, placing emphasis on drug treatment and education. This study describes the substance misuse problem and self-reported health in a cohort of people spared a criminal conviction by choosing to participate in a cannabis diversion program. Participants of the study consisted of consecutive people diverted through the Queensland Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative (QIDDI)-Police Cannabis Diversion Program. According to the protocol, 827 consecutive patients were assessed. Young cannabis users in Queensland who come into contract with the police are more likely than not to be dependent on the drug. Due to their high levels of psychopathology, it is suggested that they be placed in healthcare rather than the criminal justice system, and that appropriately responsive mental healthcare programs are needed. Tables, figures, references