Bennington
Treatment Delays for Teens with Cannabis Use Disorder Rise in Southern Vermont
As federal officials consider whether to reclassify marijuana under federal drug law, a new study has found that more American teenagers seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder, known as CUD, are facing longer wait times before receiving care. The study,…
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Key points
- 34% of teens seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder faced delays in 2022.
- The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to increased treatment wait times.
- Local awareness of cannabis use disorder is crucial for families and institutions.
NewsWK — Residents of Southern Vermont, including Bennington and surrounding communities, may be concerned about an increasing trend in treatment delays for teenagers facing cannabis use disorder (CUD). A recent study indicates that nearly 34% of adolescents seeking treatment in 2022 experienced significant delays in admission, a notable rise from previous years.
Study Highlights Treatment Challenges
The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, analyzed data from over 124,000 adolescent admissions to publicly funded substance use treatment facilities between 2012 and 2022. Researchers observed a sharp increase in treatment delays after years of decline. Although overall adolescent cannabis use has stabilized or slightly decreased, the incidence of CUD among users remains a critical concern.
Understanding Cannabis Use Disorder
According to the findings, about 11% of adolescents who use cannabis develop CUD within a year, with the risk rising to 20% with continued use. The condition affects approximately 4.7% of youth aged 12-17, significantly interfering with their daily lives. The study highlights that adolescents often wait days to over a month after requesting treatment to actually receive it.
Impact of COVID-19 on Treatment Access
Notably, the study suggests that the delays from 2020 to 2022 may be partly due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside a surge in demand for treatment services. Yiota Kitsantas, the lead author, emphasized that addressing these delays will require comprehensive efforts across the healthcare system. She advocates for proactive screening in primary care and school settings to facilitate early identification and timely access to treatment.
Local Implications for Teens and Families
For families in Bennington and the surrounding areas, these findings underscore the importance of awareness and access to mental health resources. Local institutions, including schools and healthcare providers, may need to enhance their support systems to better identify at-risk adolescents and facilitate quicker access to necessary treatment.
Future Considerations
As states reconsider cannabis regulations, local officials and residents should remain engaged in discussions about how such changes might impact treatment availability and public health. The ongoing debate over cannabis potency and its implications on youth health continues to be a pressing issue.
For more detailed insights, readers can refer to the original study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Amanda Watford originally published by Stateline. Read the original story.
