A recent survey revealed that in the past 3 months, 63% of college students have engaged in alcohol use and 23% engaged in cannabis use. It is estimated that almost 30% of college students met the criteria for a past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD) and 8.6% of students met the criteria for past-year cannabis use disorder (CUD). Many students also reported both alcohol and cannabis use. There is evidence that supports that those that partake in the use of both substances are at an increased risk for alcohol dependence and many mental health conditions. This study examined and compared college students who only used alcohol and those that co-use (alcohol and cannabis) and their readiness and receptiveness to alcohol-focused treatment.
The study consisted of 430 students, 155 identified as only partaking in alcohol use in the past 12 months, while 275 identify as partaking in co-use. Data collection took place from October 2019 to April 2022. The participants completed an online survey that asked questions such as their age, age of first use, frequency of use, receptiveness to a change in frequency of use, and openness to different strategies. Some questions were given based on the substance or substances the participant engaged in. All students were also asked if they had ever participated in emotional/mental health treatments.
Results showed that colleges student that co-used and those that only used alcohol showed similar results when it came to readiness to modify alcohol use. Those that co-use were more open to modifying their alcohol use than cannabis. Co-use and alcohol use students both were equally ready to change their use but co-use students were more “advanced” in their readiness. Meaning that the co-use group was more likely to change their behavior than not. Both groups preferred the strategy of reducing alcohol intake instead of abstinence. The article suggests that if universities have alcohol and mental health treatment options, it can help not only students that engage in alcohol use but reach those that use cannabis as well.
Takeaway: Students that use both alcohol and cannabis are at an increased risk for the negative effects of alcohol use but are more advance in their readiness to change their alcohol use than students who only drink alcohol.