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Sexual Risk Behavior and Heavy Drinking Among Weekly Marijuana Users
Jane Metrik1,2, Amy J Caswell1, Molly Magill1
1Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
|January 12, 2016
Summary
Heavy alcohol and marijuana use increase sexual risk behaviors. Heavy drinking, alone or with marijuana, is linked to condomless sex, especially with main partners, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Substance Use Research
- Sexual Health
Background:
- Heavy alcohol and marijuana use are linked to increased risk for sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
- While alcohol's impact on sexual risk is documented, less is known about combined alcohol and marijuana use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between heavy drinking, marijuana use, and condomless sex with casual versus main partners.
- To understand the relative impact of alcohol and marijuana on sexual risk behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A 60-day Timeline Followback interview method was used.
- 112 participants who were weekly marijuana smokers reported substance use and sexual activity.
Main Results:
- Both alcohol and marijuana independently increased odds of sexual intercourse.
- Heavy drinking was associated with increased odds of casual protected sex.
- Synergistic use of alcohol and marijuana increased unprotected sex with main partners.
Conclusions:
- High-risk sexual behaviors occur on days with alcohol consumption exceeding moderate guidelines.
- Interventions should target heavy alcohol use, whether alone or combined with marijuana, to reduce sexual risk.
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