Alcohol and cannabis are two of the most frequently used substances among young adults with around 70% reporting alcohol use and 30% reporting cannabis use. Understanding predictors for substance use among this population is highly important as excessive consumption can lead to a variety of adverse effects. One important predictor of heavy alcohol use is planned drinking which is associated with heavier drinking, binge drinking, and frequency of getting drunk. On the other hand, unplanned use may be associated with more negative outcomes. Impulsivity may also play a role in substance use and negative consequences. This study examines the effect of day-level planned versus unplanned alcohol and cannabis use and impulsivity traits (lack of premeditation and positive urgency) on alcohol and cannabis consumption and negative effects among young adults.
The study’s sample consisted of 409 young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 years old who reported simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use. Participants were asked to complete five bursts of morning and afternoon surveys across 14 consecutive days. During the morning surveys participants were asked to report alcohol use, cannabis use, alcohol use consequences, and cannabis use consequences during the past day. During the afternoon survey respondents were asked if they were planning to use cannabis and alcohol during the coming night and if they had used either of these substances earlier in the day. During the baseline survey impulsivity personality traits were measured using the UPPS-P impulsivity scale. Data was analyzed using a series of two-level multivariable models.
Results of the data analysis showed that planned drinking was associated with heavier alcohol consumption. There was also a significant interaction for planned versus unplanned drinking by positive urgency but not lack of premeditation. Planned drinking was correlated with more negative effects of alcohol and higher levels of positive urgency and lack of perseverance were significantly associated with more negative consequences. In regards to cannabis, planned use was related to more hours spent high. Higher levels of positive urgency were significantly associated with more hours spent high while the inverse was true for negative urgency. Planned cannabis use was not associated with more negative consequences.
Takeaway: Planned alcohol and cannabis use may be associated with consumption and associated negative consequences through impulsivity traits.