Due to the prevalence of substance use on college campuses, young adults in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) may face challenges regarding maintaining recovery on college campuses. Many universities have developed Collegiate Recovery Communities (CRCs) to support college students in recovery. It is important to understand risk factors for young adults that can predict substance use lapse/relapse and/or early treatment dropout in order to tailor CRCs to best aid college students in recovery. This study examines the associations between within- and between- person aspects of negative affect, college stressors, and cravings on college students in SUD recovery.
The study’s sample consisted of 50 college students participating in a CRC at a public southwestern US university. Participants completed daily diary entries for three consecutive weeks. College stressors regarding academic, social, and financial stressors over the past month were recorded at baseline. Participants were asked to complete measures assessing cravings and negative affect on a daily basis. Data was analyzed using multilevel exploratory factor analysis (MEFA) to assess within- and between-person facets of negative affect, stressors, and cravings.
Results of the data analysis showed that at the within-person level students’ feelings of craving were higher on days when they experienced more anger and sadness but not guilt. The relationship between anger and craving was moderated by academic, social, and financial stressors. At the between-person level, higher levels of craving were experienced by students higher in agitation and social stressors. Among young adults with more social stressors the relationship between agitation and craving was stronger. Academic and financial stressors and distress were not significantly associated with craving.
Takeaway: Negative affect and college stressors may impact craving among college students in substance use disorder recovery.