Marijuana use and depression

Author(s): Ritter, C.

Journal/Book: J Health Soc Behavior. 2000; 41: 1307 New York Ave NW #700, Washington, DC 20005-4712, USA. Amer Sociological Assoc. 40-49.

Abstract: The primary goal of this study is to examine the association between marijuana use and adult depressive symptomatology. The key independent variables examined are age of marijuana initiation, frequency of current marijuana use the use of other licit and illicit drugs, and whether marijuana,cas used to cope with problems. The relationships among these variables ape assessed using data from the Young Men and Drugs Survey (n = 1,941), a nationally representative sample of men from the 1944-1954 birth cohort. Results show that early marijuana initiation appears to be weakly associated with increased depression in adulthood. This effect, however, is mediated by educational attainment, employment status, marital status, and other drug use, notably alcohol and tobacco use. Adult frequency of marijuana use is not significantly, associated with increased depression in adulthood. Finally, marijuana users who use the drug to cope with problems are more depressed than those who do not use to cope with problems.

Note: Article Green BE, Ohio State Univ, Dept Sociol, 300 Bricker Hall, 190 N Oval Mall, Columbus,OH 43210 USA

Keyword(s): ADOLESCENT DRUG-USE; SUBSTANCE USE; CANNABIS USE; USE CONSEQUENCES; MENTAL-HEALTH; YOUNG-ADULTS; HIGH-SCHOOL; BEHAVIOR; RISK; DETERMINANTS

Zurück | Weiter