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Cannabis Adaptation During and After Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device Installation: A Longitudinal Study
Michael Scherer1,2, Eduardo Romano1, Sagan King2
1Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Calverton, Maryland.
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
|July 15, 2022
Summary
Alcohol ignition interlock devices (IIDs) reduce drunk driving but may increase cannabis use. This risk of increased cannabis use persists even after IID removal, highlighting the need for integrated substance use interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Substance Abuse Research
- Traffic Safety
Background:
- Alcohol ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are mandated to prevent alcohol-impaired driving.
- Previous research suggests a potential risk transfer, with some drivers increasing cannabis use while decreasing alcohol consumption during IID use.
- The long-term effects of IIDs on polysubstance use patterns, particularly after device removal, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether increased cannabis use associated with IID installation persists after device removal.
- To examine the long-term impact of IIDs on substance use transfer, specifically concerning alcohol and cannabis.
- To assess if cannabis use increases after alcohol consumption returns to pre-IID levels.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Managing Heavy Drinking (MHD) study, a three-wave study of New York State drivers convicted of driving under the influence (2015-2020).
- Included 189 participants who provided oral fluid/blood and hair samples to measure cannabis and alcohol use, respectively, at IID installation, removal, and 6-month follow-up.
- Employed mixed between-within analysis of variance to analyze changes in cannabis use across the three time points.
Main Results:
- Overall, participants demonstrated an increase in cannabis use throughout the study period.
- Drivers who reduced alcohol consumption while the IID was installed showed a significant increase in cannabis use during IID use.
- This elevated cannabis use continued and further increased after the IID was removed, even as alcohol use potentially reverted.
Conclusions:
- While IIDs are effective in curbing alcohol-impaired driving, they may inadvertently lead to increased use of other substances.
- The findings underscore the necessity for supplemental treatment interventions during IID use to mitigate the risk of polysubstance use.
- Addressing the transfer of risk to other substances is crucial for comprehensive post-IID recovery and public safety.
