Previous research has shown connections between alcohol use and PTSD symptoms. A recent study observed PTSD symptoms and the relationship with alcohol and marijuana use among undergraduate college students.
This study included 533 college students who exhibited one or more symptoms of PTSD and had experienced said symptoms within the past month. The students were split into two groups based on if they only reported alcohol use or if they reported alcohol and marijuana co-use. The students completed the Life Events Checklist from the DSM-5 as well as the PTSD Checklist. Substance use was measured as well.
The results showed that individuals who used marijuana and alcohol experienced greater negative cognition and hyperarousal as PTSD symptoms, which includes irritability, aggression, and engaging in risky behaviors. These symptoms were more severe compared to those who did not use marijuana and alcohol, as well as compared to the group in which the students only used alcohol. Theses findings ay help to create interventions for students experiencing PTSD and substance use, particularly polysubstance use of alcohol and marijuana.
Take Away: Undergraduate students who use marijuana and alcohol and experience PTSD symptoms have more severe and frequent symptoms compared to students who only use alcohol.
Kearns, N.T., Cloutier, R.M., Carey, C., Contractor, A.A., Blumenthal, H. (2019). Alcohol and Marijuana Polysubstance Use: Comparison of PTSD Symptom Endorsement and Severity Patterns. Cannabis. 2 (1) doi.10.26828/cannabis.2019.01.004