Examination of the relation between distress tolerance and cannabis use

The purpose of this study is to examine the relation between distress tolerance and cannabis use characteristics (starting age of use, use frequency, negative effects of cannabis on life-health, relationships, social and business life). The study was conducted in Kilis Directorate of Probation. The sampling of the study was formed with people who were in education and rehabilitation services because of substance use at this institution. 66 males participated the study. Data collection tools were demographic information form for information about participants, Substance Use Profile Index – Short Form (BAPİ-Kısa) for measuring cannabis use characteristics, Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) for measuring distress tolerance, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for measuring depression and anxiety. Results of the study showed that; as distress tolerance, which was measured with DTS, decreases, cannabise use (r = -.31, p<.05) whcih was measured with BAPİ-Kısa total score, negative effects of cannabis on life (r = -.31, p<.05) and cannabis dependency (r = -.36, p<.01) which were measured with BAPİ-Kısa subscales, depression (r = -.44, p<.01) which was measured with BDI and anxiety (r = -.29, p<.05) which was measured with BAI increase. As depression severity increases, cannabis use (r = .49, p<.01), cannabis use frequency (r = .44, p<.01) which was measured with BAPİ-Kısa subscale and negative effects of cannabis on life (r = .55, p<.01) increase. Similarly, as anxiety increases, cannabis use (r = .42, p<.01), cannabis use frequency (r = .33, p<.01) and negative effects of cannabis on life (r = .40, p<.01) increase. As starting age of cannabis use decreases, cannabis use (r = -.40, p<.01), cannabis use frequency (r = -.35, p<.01) and negative effects of cannabis on life (r = -.40, p<.01) increase. Wtih these findings, hypothesis of an existing significant relation between distress tolerance and cannabis use was supported. Keywords: Distress tolerance, emotional distress tolerance, cannabis use, substance use.