In 2019, 67% of college students reported having consumed alcohol in the past 30 days, and about one in four (26%) students reported using cannabis during those 30 days. Using both alcohol and cannabis has been correlated to worsening problems than using either substance alone. This study aims to use person-centered analyses to further explore the use of alcohol and/or cannabis among college students through three specific aims.
One aim was to identify distinct profiles of students based on alcohol and cannabis use behaviors. The second aim is to determine whether sociodemographic variables predict the likelihood of class membership and the third being differences in alcohol cannabis negative consequences frequency of past month of co-substance use. 4,764 students from six US states participated in this study. All students reported using alcohol, cannabis, or both in the past 30 days. The average age of participants was 20; most were female and white. This study measured alcohol and cannabis use and demographics.
This study helps build and support the current existing literature. It found that the participants who engaged in heavy alcohol and/or cannabis use used other substances than light or infrequent users. Those who engaged in alcohol and/or cannabis use experienced the most alcohol and cannabis-related negative consequences. Students in a fraternity or sorority were more likely to be in the heavy co-use profile, and those in the heavy co-use were more likely to identify as male. Most students were able to use cannabis and alcohol and had few adverse consequences, but when it came to those who were heavy users, the negative consequences increased. These study’s results could be beneficial when developing new treatment and prevention plans.
Takeaway: Those who engaged in heavy alcohol and/or cannabis use experienced the most alcohol and cannabis related consequences and more likely to engage in other substances.