Associations Between Food Restriction, Alcohol and Marijuana Use and Co-Use, and Consequences Among College Students

Area of Science:

• Substance Use Research
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use (SAM) and food restriction are linked to increased substance use consequences.
• Previous research primarily focused on alcohol-only contexts, with limited understanding of combined substance use and eating behaviors.
• This study addresses the gap in knowledge regarding the interplay of alcohol, marijuana, SAM, and food restriction on negative outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between alcohol, marijuana, or SAM use and food restriction on substance use days with negative substance-use outcomes.
• To examine the independent and interactive effects of these behaviors on adverse consequences.
• To provide evidence for targeted interventions among at-risk college student populations.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 901 college students.
• Survey data collected on substance use patterns (alcohol, marijuana, SAM) and eating behaviors (food restriction on substance use days).
• Hierarchical regression analyses were employed to examine the relationships between substance use patterns, food restriction, and use-related consequences.

Main Results:

• Alcohol use quantity and food restriction on substance use days were independently associated with greater alcohol consequences.
• Marijuana use (hours high) and food restriction on use days were independently associated with greater marijuana consequences.
• Food restriction moderated the relationship between alcohol/marijuana use quantity and consequences for SAM users.

Conclusions:

• Food restriction on substance use days is a significant factor associated with increased alcohol and marijuana consequences.
• Simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use (SAM) combined with food restriction warrants further investigation.
• Findings support the development of targeted interventions for college students engaging in these high-risk behaviors.