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Simultaneous Use of Alcohol and Marijuana: Patterns and Individual Differences
Ashley N Linden-Carmichael1, Amy L Stamates2, Cathy Lau-Barraco2
1Department of Biobehavioral Health, Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park , PA , USA.
Simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) users, compared to alcohol-only users, exhibit distinct personality traits and peer influences. Increased frequency of SAM use correlates with greater alcohol and marijuana consumption and related problems.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Substance Use Research
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use is linked to adverse health and behavioral outcomes.
- Understanding the characteristics and risks associated with SAM use is crucial for public health.
- This study addresses knowledge gaps regarding this emerging public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare individual-level factors and substance use outcomes between SAM users and alcohol-only users.
- To examine the associations between the frequency of SAM use and various substance use outcomes.
- To identify the unique characteristics of young adults engaging in simultaneous alcohol and marijuana consumption.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of participants through online postings.
- Analysis of an analytic sample of 1017 young adults (18-25 years) reporting past-month alcohol use.
- Comparison of SAM users with alcohol-only users based on personality, peer perceptions, and substance use patterns.
Main Results:
- Past-year SAM users displayed higher sensation seeking and perceived greater peer drinking compared to alcohol-only users.
- SAM users reported heavier and more frequent alcohol consumption than alcohol-only users.
- Higher frequency of SAM use was associated with increased alcohol and marijuana use outcomes and higher perceived drinking norms.
Conclusions:
- SAM users represent a vulnerable sub-population of young adult drinkers.
- SAM users differ from alcohol-only users in personality and peer group perceptions.
- Interventions for high-risk drinking should consider assessing simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use due to heightened risks.
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