Fundamental Characteristics, Attitudes and Behaviors Regarding Substance Use Focusing on Cannabis: Findings from the General Population Survey in Turkey, 2011.

Cannabis is the most prevalent illicit drug used in the world. We aimed to determine prevalence and some characteristics of cannabis use in Turkey. The study was based on a cross-sectional survey conducted with a nationally representative sample of 8045 individuals with in-house interviews. The life-time prevalence of substance use was found as 2.8%. Cannabis with 0.7% life-time prevalence, was the most commonly used substance. Cannabis users were concerned about some adverse outcomes such as anxiety with withdrawal (14%), losing control about using the drug (14%), daily performance problems (10.9%) and problems about interpersonal violence (6.9%). 35.1% of them wanted to quit and 18% regretted using cannabis. Prevalence of cannabis use is lower in Turkey compared with most of the other countries in the world. Nevertheless, it is a significant health concern. Identifying characteristics and attitudes related with cannabis use may help to improve policies about protective measures.