Cannabis withdrawal among Indigenous detainees and inmates

Background / Aims: Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome is proposed in the DSM-5 due for release 2013. Problematic cannabis use among remote Indigenous communities has been reported and 'stressing out' has been reported when cannabis is not available. Sudden cessation of cannabis use by remanded/sentenced inmates could further increase risk of 'stressing out' however, the experience of withdrawal has not been considered. \ud \ud Methods: Indigenous inmates aged 18-40 years were recruited from a far north Queensland Correctional Centre. Retrospective cannabis use, dependence and withdrawal measures prior to incarceration were self-reported. Assessments included other drug use, Time Line Follow Back, Severity of Dependence Scale, Indigenous Risk Impact Screen and Cannabis Withdrawal Checklist. \ud \ud Results: From 101 males inmates, 89% (n=90) reported lifetime use and 70% (n=70) used cannabis