The younger a person is when they start using cannabis the greater the chance that they may become a regular user of cannabis. Regular use of cannabis at a young age is a risk factor for dependence and health problems. One of the greatest concerns about cannabis use by young people is the link between cannabis use and mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and psychotic disorders.
Parents and professionals can read more about cannabis and mental health below. Young people should visit www.highsnlows.com.au
Information for parents
Both mental illness and drug use can affect many areas of a person's life and the lives of those around them. If a person is experiencing mental illness and using drugs, the issues and impact on their lives can be more challenging than either on their own. For example, difficulties making a diagnosis, not complying with treatment, and interactions between drugs and mental illness, all add to the heavy costs on individuals and their families.
About cannabis
For more information or free resources contact the DrugInfo Clearinghouse on tel. 1300 85 85 84 or email druginfo.@adf.org.au.
Getting help
Counselling and support
CounsellingOnline is a service where you can communicate with a professional counsellor about an alcohol or drug related concern, using text-interaction. This service is free for anyone seeking help with their own drug use or the drug use of a family member, relative or friend. CounsellingOnline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across Australia.
Family Drug Help is a Victorian service for people concerned about a relative or friend using drugs. Their Helpline runs 24 hours a day, on 9573 1780 (Melbourne only, from 9am–5pm) and on 1300 660 068 for country and after-hours callers.
For further help and support contact a support service in your state or territory.
Parent education
ABCD Parenting Young Adolescents Program
This website is based on the ABCD Parenting Young Adolescents Program, and gives information and support to parents and professionals. The site provides information about the program, answers to frequently asked questions and contact details for metropolitan and regional parenting, alcohol and other drugs services.
UnitingCare Moreland Hall
This not-for-profit, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Treatment and Education agency of the Uniting Church, offers a range of services, including counselling, withdrawal and education to residents of the Northern region of Melbourne.
Information for professionals
Resources and training
Prevention and early intervention of coexisting mental health and substance use issues. DrugInfo Clearinghouse fact sheets
DrugInfo Clearinghouse fact sheets and resources on cannabis.
PsyCheck is a treatment services screening tool which addresses mental illness among people who use alcohol and other drugs.
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) fact sheets and resources.
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) interactive workshops.
Research
Prevention and early intervention of coexisting mental health and substance use issues, Prevention Research Quarterly, November 2007
Full report [PDF 648KB]
Issues Paper [PDF 546KB]
Reading and Resource List [PDF 334KB]
DrugInfo newsletter, 5:4, November 2007
Prevention and early intervention of coexisting mental health and substance use issues
Cannabis. Prevention Research Quarterly, June 2005
Full report [PDF 539KB]
Prevention Research Evaluation Report [PDF 566KB]
Prevention Research Summaries [PDF 595KB]
Reading and Resource List [PDF 590KB]
DrugInfo newsletter, 3:4, June 2005
Prevention of cannabis-related harms
More information
Search the DrugInfo Clearinghouse library catalogue for more resources
Search the Australian Drug Foundation Bookshop for resources to purchase
ADIN topic centre – Comorbidity