Monograph No. 20: Cannabis use disorder treatment and associated health care costs in New South Wales, 2007

Abstract

Aims The aim of this monograph is to estimate the costs of treatment and health care related to cannabis use disorders in New South Wales (NSW) for the year 2007. It describes the costs associated with treatment for cannabis use disorder and the health care costs attributable to cannabis use. The rationale for this study was to identify these costs for policy and other research purposes as comprehensive studies on cannabis treatment costs have not been undertaken. Specifically, the types of treatment are: Treatment in drug treatment agencies: Counselling Withdrawal management (detoxification) Residential rehabilitation Assessments (a precursor to treatment) Information and education Treatment in general practice (provided by general practitioners (GP)): GP consultations Treatment in hospitals: Cannabis-related hospital admissions Treatment of health consequences attributable to cannabis use: Schizophrenia/ psychotic disorders Low birth weight (LBW) babies in hospitals Road traffic accident casualtie