Alcohol and cannabis are commonly used substances among young adults especially those attending college. The psychoactive properties of alcohol and cannabis use can result in cognitive impairments that affect attentiveness, concentration, and memory-cognitive skills. The effect of substance use on cognitive abilities may also be impacted by age of use initiation and quantity and frequency of use. Additionally, cognitive impairment may impact academic and work performance, grade point average, motivation, and absenteeism. This study examines the impact of alcohol and cannabis use on next-day absenteeism and engagement at work and school among young adults.
The study’s sample consisted of 409 young adults age 18-25 years old who reported simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis during the past month. Of the 409 young adults, 95% were employed and 64% were enrolled in college. Participants completed online surveys twice a day in six 14-day bursts across two years. The morning survey assessed alcohol and cannabis use during the previous day. The afternoon survey assessed absence at school or work and engagement (attentiveness and productivity) at school and work. Lastly, demographic information was recorded including age, biological sex, race, and ethnicity. Data was analyzed using multilevel models to examine between- and within-person associations between substance use and next-day absenteeism and engagement at school and work.
Results of the data analysis showed participants drank on 26.66% and 36.6% of days prior to a day they were supposed to attend school and work. Cannabis was used on 35.23% and 38.59% of days prior to a day they were supposed to attend school and work. Those who drank more frequently had more absences from school the next day and those who drank higher quantities had more absences from work the next day. Additionally, alcohol use was associated with lower next-day engagement in school. Cannabis use was not associated with next-day absenteeism from work or school. However, at the between-persons level cannabis use was positively associated with next-day work engagement and at the daily-level it was associated with next-day engagement in school.
Takeaway: Alcohol and cannabis use may impact next-day absence and engagement at work and school among young adults.