Simultaneous Alcohol and Marijuana Use Among College Students: Patterns, Correlates, Norms, and Consequences. (28th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: White, Helene R.; Kilmer, Jason R.; Fossos‐Wong, Nicole; Hayes, Kerri; Sokolovsky, Alexander W.; Jackson, Kristina M.
• Is Part Of: Alcoholism. Volume 43:Number 7(2019)
• Page Start: 1545
• Page End: 1555
• Publication Date: 2019-05-28
• Subjects: alcohol -- marijuana -- simultaneous -- SAM use -- college students; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Alcoolisme; Electronic journals; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.861005
• DOI: 10.1111/acer.14072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-6008

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Alcohol and marijuana users often engage in simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use (i.e., using the 2 substances together so that their effects overlap), which can result in more negative consequences than using either substance alone. Nevertheless, little is known about SAM use among contemporary college students to aid in the development of preventive interventions. This study examined SAM use patterns, demographic correlates of SAM use, and normative influences on SAM use and related negative consequences among college students. Methods: Students who had used alcohol and marijuana in the past year were recruited from 3 state universities in states with different laws regarding recreational marijuana use ( N = 1, 389). They completed an online survey, which assessed their own alcohol, marijuana, and SAM use and related consequences, their perceptions of the proportion of same‐gender peers and close friends who engaged in SAM use, marijuana access, and demographic characteristics. Results: About three‐fourths of participants reported at least 1 occasion of SAM use in the past year with an average frequency of twice per month among SAM users. There were significant differences in SAM use prevalence and frequency by sociodemographic characteristics controlling for past‐year alcohol and marijuana frequency. Students in a state with decriminalized recreational marijuana use reported higher frequency of past‐year SAM use than students in states with legalized or criminalized use. There were significant demographic differences in perceived norms regarding SAM use among close friends and same‐gender peers. SAM users endorsed significantly higher perceived peer and friend norms than nonusers. Also, higher perceived norms predicted more frequent SAM use and more negative consequences of use. Conclusions: Results indicate a need for prevention programs on college campuses that address SAM use. Interventions that use personalized normative feedback may be effective. Abstract : This study found that simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use was highly prevalent in college students; three‐fourths of past‐year alcohol and marijuana users reported SAM use with an average of 2–3 days per month. Past 30‐day SAM users, compared to non‐SAM users, endorsed significantly higher perceived peer and close friend norms. Further, higher perceived norms predicted more frequent SAM use and, controlling for SAM use, more negative consequences. The campus normative environment rather than the state legal environment may be more influential for SAM use.