Initial assessment of outpatient visits to the cannabis abuse clinics

In February 2005, this programme included an awareness- raising media campaign and the setting up of specific outpatient clinics targeting people who have, or think they may have, an addiction to cannabis. These "risk-assessment clinics" have been closely associated with the existing addiction treatment system. 

The aim of these "clinics for young users" has been to offer young people an assessment of their consumption and a diagnosis of harmful use; to offer personalised information and advice to "high risk" users, to provide short-term care to young people reporting harmful use without social or psychiatric complications; to accompany and provide counselling advice to young people if their situation warrants it; to offer support to parents having difficulties in coping with their children's consumption; to offer, if necessary, joint support for parents and children. 

The objective of the present survey is to provide an insight into the population attending the clinics, by comparison with cannabis users in the general population. What specific treatment do these outpatient clinics offer to people with cannabis-related problems? How are they effective as a means to access care structures?