A recent study examined how simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis impact eating behaviors among college undergraduates. Co-use of alcohol and cannabis is on the rise, so it is important to study the impacts of simultaneously experiencing the effects of the two substances. Of students who use cannabis and alcohol, 73% reported co-use of both substances. Students are also at risk of disordered eating in the transition to college living. These two factors demonstrate the need to better understand alcohol and cannabis co-use and how it impacts eating habits, as alcohol and cannabis use on their own can impact eating behaviors.
Study participants were between the ages of 18 and 25 years old, consumed alcohol at least once in the last year, consumed cannabis at least once in the last year, and consumed both substances simultaneously at least once in the last year. Participant recruitment took place at four-year institutions in Rhode Island via campus announcements, flyers, and email announcements. 209 students, 72.7% of which were female, were recruited to take the study survey, and data from 155 responses were used.
Findings included that change in eating behavior in the context of simultaneous co-use of cannabis and alcohol can be a significant risk factor for greater alcohol usage among college students. Additionally, students who eat less food before or after their simultaneous co-use are at an increased risk of experiencing negative consequences. Results also indicated that students who primarily ate junk food after co-using experienced more co-use consequences.
Takeaway: Colleges should be considerate of both substance use patterns and eating behaviors, including education on healthy eating choices in prevention efforts. Colleges should also consider education on co-use of substances and the associated consequences.