College students are at a high risk of heavy alcohol consumption which can result in greater negative alcohol-related consequences. In addition, the co-use of alcohol and cannabis is a growing concern on college campuses. College students may participate in event-specific substance use which is defined as heavy substance use during certain events and holidays (e.g. football games, Halloween, Spring Break, etc.). Heavy substance use during these occasions is related to a variety of factors including desire to celebrate with peers, the gathering of students at themed parties, and normative beliefs about alcohol use on these occasions. This study examines alcohol and cannabis use on the weekend surround Halloween, “Halloweekend,” among heavy-drinking college students.
The study’s sample consisted of 228 college students who reported pregaming, alcohol consumption prior to an event, at least weekly. Students completed a baseline survey that assessed Greek life membership, alcohol and cannabis use during the past 30 days and alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms. Participants then completed 28 days of daily diary surveys assessing substance use around Halloween. During each survey, respondents were asked about alcohol use, pregaming, cannabis use, co-use of alcohol and cannabis, and negative consequences of substance use experienced the day prior. Data was analyzed using a 3-level generalized linear mixed model approach.
Results of the data analysis showed 80.3% of participants reported drinking on Halloweekend, while 68.9% and 58.5% reported alcohol consumption on the weekends prior to and after Halloweekend. In regards to alcohol-related negative consequences, participants reported 26% fewer consequences the weekend prior to Halloweekend but there were no significant differences noted between Halloweekend and the weekend after. Additionally, there were no significant differences in cannabis use or co-use of alcohol and cannabis observed between the weekends.
Takeaway: There may be a greater risk of alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences among college students during Halloweekend.