Cannabis use disorder: an overview of treatment approaches in Europe

Abstract

Between 8 and 22% of lifetime cannabis users develop Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). It is the most frequent reason for first-time drug-related treatment admissions in Europe. Many countries have general substance use treatment programs for individuals with cannabis use disorders. This study presents an updated overview of cannabis-specific treatment availability across Europe. Data on treatment programs in 27 EU member states, United Kingdom, Norway and Turkey was gathered. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining (1) a quantitative survey among the National Focal Points of the European Drugs Agency (EUDA), (2) a qualitative analysis of “Drug Workbooks 2021” and ‘Treatment Workbooks 2020 and 2021’ published by the National Focal Points of the EUDA. Data for 30 countries on the European continent was analyzed. Sixteen countries reported the existence of specific cannabis-specific programs. Fifteen countries provided specific face-to-face interventions, which mostly have limited national coverage. Cannabis-specific online-treatment has been used more systematically since the COVID-pandemic in some countries. Automated and brief web-based interventions have emerged with a large potential to cover the needs of many clients in rural areas. First Cannabis Clinics opened, but specific forms of treatment for vulnerable target groups (e.g. adolescents, people with mental disorders) are generally still rare. Most programs are not evidence-based. In sum, some growth in cannabis-specific treatments has been observed in the past decade in Europe. Their coverage is still limited.