1
|
Montemayor BN, Nabil AK, Merianos AL. Risk Factors for Quantity of Cannabis Use Per Day among College Students Who Violated Their University Drug Use Policy. CANNABIS (ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) 2024; 6:1-14. [PMID: 38933496 PMCID: PMC11200251 DOI: 10.26828/cannabis/2023/000191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Background Cannabis use among college students represents a continued public health issue. The objective was to assess risk factors and reasons for cannabis use among students who violated their university's drug use policy, and whether risk factors influenced cannabis use quantity. Methods This cross-sectional survey study included 99 college students enrolled at a large U.S. public university. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and an ordinary least squares regression analysis was conducted. Results Students reported using cannabis an average of 7.4 (SD = 10.2) days in the past month, with 8% reporting daily use. On average, students consumed slightly over 0.25 (SD = 0.25) grams per day, with 40% reporting greater than one gram per day. The average age of onset of cannabis use was 16.8 (SD = 1.8) years old. The top reasons for cannabis use were to: relax or relieve tension (75.8%), feel good or get high (62.6%), and have a good time with friends (60.6%). Students perceived an average of 47% of their peers engaged in past-month cannabis use and only slight risk was associated with regular use. Students perceived their loved ones would mostly approve of a reduction in their cannabis use. Regression results indicated past-month cannabis frequency (p = .002) and being of racial/ethnic minority descent (p = .05) were positively associated with quantity of cannabis per day, while perceived risk of regular cannabis use (β = -0.21) was negatively associated. Conclusion Evidence-based cannabis interventions for students who violate their university's drug use policies are critically needed that aim to reduce cannabis use and mitigate its associated negative consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin N. Montemayor
- Department of Health Behavior, Texas A&M University School of Public Health, College Station, TX
| | - Anas K. Nabil
- Department of Health Behavior, Texas A&M University School of Public Health, College Station, TX
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Smith-LeCavalier KN, Morris PM, Larimer ME, Buckner JD, Walukevich-Dienst K. General and Domain-Specific Perceived Risk Demonstrate Unique Associations with Cannabis Use, Negative Outcomes, and Motivation to Change among Undergraduate Students. CANNABIS (ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) 2024; 6:49-66. [PMID: 38883284 PMCID: PMC11178065 DOI: 10.26828/cannabis/2024/000194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
College student cannabis use is at an all-time high. Although frequent heavy cannabis use is related to cannabis problems, perceived risk of cannabis use is rapidly decreasing. Yet, it is unknown whether specific domains of risk perceptions (general and domain-specific risk, risk to others and personal risk) are related to more cannabis use or related problems. Thus, among 130 undergraduates who reported past-month cannabis use, the present study conducted secondary analyses to test whether, for both perceived risk to others and perceived personal risk: (1) general perceived risk was associated with cannabis-related outcomes (i.e., use, negative consequences, cannabis use disorder (CUD) symptoms, motivation to change), (2) seven specific domains of perceived risk were related to cannabis outcomes, and (3) domain-specific perceived risk was related to cannabis use frequency. General perceived risk to others was negatively associated with cannabis use frequency whereas general perceived personal risk was positively associated with cannabis-related negative consequences, CUD symptoms, and importance and readiness to change. Greater legal and withdrawal/dependence risks were uniquely related to several outcomes (e.g., CUD symptoms). Participants who used cannabis frequently perceived more personal risk in most risk domains and less general risk to others than those who used infrequently. Findings suggest personal risk is an important component to consider when assessing perceived risk of cannabis use and focusing on both general and domain-specific risks may provide valuable insight for future prevention and intervention efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mary E. Larimer
- University of Washington, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fleming CB, Walukevich-Dienst K, Calhoun BH, Lee CM. A Longitudinal Analysis of Monthly Changes in Substance Use in Relation to Negative Consequences From Alcohol and Cannabis Use in a Community Sample of Young Adults. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2023; 84:913-920. [PMID: 37650855 PMCID: PMC10765978 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.22-00431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Experiencing negative substance use consequences may deter future use, alter patterns of substance use (e.g., substituting one substance for another, combining substances), or point to a sustained pattern of engaging in heavy or frequent use. We used monthly data to examine relationships between negative alcohol and cannabis use consequences experienced in one month and changes in use the following month. METHOD Data were from 508 individuals (59% female; ages 18-23 years at enrollment) who were surveyed monthly for 2 years and used both alcohol and cannabis during the study period. Multilevel models assessed within-person associations between monthly fluctuations in substance-related negative consequences and the next month's substance use (i.e., typical drinks per week, cannabis use frequency, and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis/marijuana [SAM] use), controlling for the prior month's substance use. RESULTS Positive associations were found between alcohol consequences and the following month's alcohol use and between cannabis consequences and subsequent cannabis use, although only the cannabis association was statistically significant. There was little evidence of effects of cannabis consequences on the next month's alcohol use or alcohol consequences on the next month's cannabis use. Cannabis consequences had a positive and statistically significant association with the next month's SAM use. Within-substance positive associations were strongest for physical alcohol consequences and cannabis consequences of low motivation, memory problems, and trouble breathing. CONCLUSIONS Experiencing negative cannabis use consequences predicted more frequent cannabis use and greater chance of SAM use 1 month later. Results point to negative consequences, along with prior use, indicating risk for future use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles B. Fleming
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Brian H. Calhoun
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Christine M. Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Villanueva-Blasco VJ, Villanueva-Silvestre V, Vázquez-Martínez A, Andreu-Fernández V, Folgar MI. Cannabis Use in Young and Adult University Students Before and During the COVID-19 Lockdown, According to Gender and Age. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022:1-13. [PMID: 36573251 PMCID: PMC9774078 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-022-00991-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives were: (a) to establish cannabis use prevalence in university students; (b) to determine the changes in consumption of cannabis between prior to and during lockdown. Problematic consumption, gender, and age were taken into account to establish risk groups. Of 1,472 participants between 18-54 years (M = 27.51), 8.01% reported using cannabis before and/or during lockdown (56.6% male). The Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) was used to detect cannabis abuse. The main form of consumption was spliffs (89.9%). The mean of spliffs consumed per day decreased during lockdown, but was only significant in male and in the 18-24 group. This decrease was also significant for all three levels of CAST problematic use. Users with moderate addiction and dependence reduced their average number of spliffs consumed per day during lockdown to a greater extent than those without addiction. These findings establish target groups of prevention interventions in the university.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Víctor José Villanueva-Blasco
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University, C/ Pintor Sorolla, 21, 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación en Salud y Ajuste Psico-Social (GI-SAPS), Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
| | - Verónica Villanueva-Silvestre
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University, C/ Pintor Sorolla, 21, 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación en Salud y Ajuste Psico-Social (GI-SAPS), Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
| | - Andrea Vázquez-Martínez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University, C/ Pintor Sorolla, 21, 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación en Salud y Ajuste Psico-Social (GI-SAPS), Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Andreu-Fernández
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University, C/ Pintor Sorolla, 21, 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Isorna Folgar
- Faculty of Education and Social Work, Campus As Lagoas, University of Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Auty SG, Lipson SK, Stein MD, Reif S. Mental health service use in a national sample of college students with co-occurring depression or anxiety and substance use. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2022; 2:100025. [PMID: 36845889 PMCID: PMC9948943 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2022.100025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Campus health systems can provide timely and accessible resources for students with co-occurring substance use and mental illness, but little is known about the degree to which students use these systems. This study examined mental health service utilization among students with symptoms of anxiety or depression, stratified by substance use. METHODS This cross-sectional study used data came from the 2017-2020 Healthy Minds Study. Mental health service use was examined among students with clinically significant anxiety or depression (N = 65,969), stratified by substance use type (no use, alcohol or tobacco use, marijuana use, other drug use). We performed a series of weighted logistic regressions to assess the adjusted association of substance use type with past year use of campus, off-campus outpatient, emergency department, and hospital mental health services. RESULTS Among students, 39.3% reported exclusive use of alcohol or tobacco, 22.9% reported use of marijuana, and 5.9% reported use of other drugs. Use of alcohol or tobacco was not associated with mental health service utilization, while students who use marijuana faced increased odds of campus (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01, 1.20) and off-campus outpatient mental health service utilization (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.17, 1.37). Other drug use was associated with increased odds of off-campus outpatient (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.14, 1.48), emergency department (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.50, 3.03) and hospital service utilization (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.13, 2.04). CONCLUSIONS Universities should consider screening for substance use and common mental illnesses to support the health of high-risk students.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G. Auty
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Sarah K. Lipson
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Michael D. Stein
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Sharon Reif
- Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Institute for Behavioral Health, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Helle AC, Boness CL, Sher KJ. College students' receptiveness to intervention approaches for alcohol and cannabis use. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2022; 36:157-176. [PMID: 33749290 PMCID: PMC8455707 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Addressing high-risk alcohol and cannabis use represent major challenges to institutions of higher education. A range of evidence-based treatment approaches are available, but little is known concerning students' receptiveness to such approaches. Prior work identified that students were most open to individual therapy and self-help options for reducing alcohol use, but less open to medication. The current study examines student receptiveness to intervention approaches across a wider range of intervention approaches (e.g., remote/telehealth), and extends to evaluate cannabis intervention receptiveness. METHOD Undergraduate students reported on alcohol and cannabis use, motives for and reasons against use, and openness to an array of interventions for reducing alcohol and cannabis use. RESULTS Informal options (self-help, talking with family/friends), individual therapy, and appointments with a primary care provider (PCP) were endorsed most frequently. Group therapy and medication were less commonly endorsed, though medication was endorsed at a higher prevalence than in prior studies. Women generally expressed higher receptiveness than men. Lower alcohol consumption was associated with increased receptiveness to some approaches. Students at high risk for alcohol and/or cannabis dependence were less receptive to many treatment options. CONCLUSIONS College students were open to a wide variety of approaches for reducing their alcohol and cannabis use. These results can inform selection, implementation, and availability of campus-wide services, especially as low-cost technological-based approaches are expanding. Further attention to existing services (e.g., PCP) for addressing alcohol and cannabis use may be considered, given students' receptiveness to such approaches. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley C. Helle
- University of Missouri, Department of Psychological
Sciences, 200 South 7 Street, Columbia, MO 65211, United State
- Corresponding author:
| | - Cassandra L. Boness
- University of Missouri, Department of Psychological
Sciences, 200 South 7 Street, Columbia, MO 65211, United State
| | - Kenneth J. Sher
- University of Missouri, Department of Psychological
Sciences, 200 South 7 Street, Columbia, MO 65211, United State
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Buckner JD, Ecker AH, Walukevich-Dienst K, Lewis EM, Pugh E, Abarno CN. Brief Motivation-Based Interventions for Students Sanctioned for Violating Campus Cannabis Use Policies. J Cogn Psychother 2021; 35:JCPSY-D-20-00026. [PMID: 33833089 DOI: 10.1891/jcpsy-d-20-00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
College cannabis use continues to rise, yet few students voluntarily seek treatment for cannabis use, despite use-related problems. Thus, the campus judicial system may be one way to identify high-risk cannabis users and intervene with them. Despite research indicating that brief motivational interventions (BMIs) decrease risky alcohol use among students sanctioned for psychological services following campus alcohol policies violations, extant data do not support BMI for students who violate cannabis polices. Thus, the aims of this review paper are to (a) review the extant literature of BMI for cannabis use among sanctioned students, (b) discuss some unique issues concerning BMI for cannabis use, and (c) provide case examples of promising novel ways BMI may be used to address unique needs of these students. Given the wide range of cannabis use and related problems experienced by these students, personalized approaches to BMI-based interventions may improve outcomes for these students.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Erika Pugh
- Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Cristina N Abarno
- Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
- Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
- Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bakhshaie J, Storch EA, Tran N, Zvolensky MJ. Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms and Cannabis Misuse: The Explanatory Role of Cannabis Use Motives. J Dual Diagn 2020; 16:409-419. [PMID: 32767907 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2020.1786616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the unique explanatory role of cannabis use motives above the effects of each other, for the relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptomatology and different aspects of cannabis misuse among young adults. The transitional years of young adulthood are characterized by new opportunities for experimentation as well as novel external stressors. Collectively, this makes this developmental epoch a sensitive time for manifestations of cannabis misuse. Methods: Bivariate correlations were conducted to examine the association between obsessive-compulsive symptomatology and risky cannabis use, cannabis use problems, and the average quantity of cannabis used per occasion among a young ethno-racially diverse sample of college students with the past year history of cannabis use (N = 177, 68.95% female, Mage = 21.51, SD = 4.24). Next, multiple mediation analyses were conducted to examine the unique explanatory role of cannabis use motives (e.g., enhancement, conformity, coping, social, and expansion) for the association between the obsessive-compulsive symptoms and cannabis misuse variables which showed significant correlation with these symptoms at the bivariate level. Results: Obsessive-compulsive symptoms were significantly correlated with risky cannabis use (r = .19; p = .02), but not cannabis use problems or the average quantity of cannabis used per occasion. Conducting the multiple mediation for the relationship with the significant bivariate correlation, coping motives significantly explained the relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and risky cannabis use (b = 0.04, SE = 0.02, 95% Bootstrapped CI [0.003, 0.10], Completely Standardized Indirect Effects = 0.07), after controlling for the variance accounted for by problematic alcohol use and smoking status. This indirect effect was not significant after adding anxiety and depressive symptoms as covariates to the model. Conclusions: These findings are discussed in terms of the development of specialized treatments to specifically target cannabis use coping motives among individuals with comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder and cannabis misuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jafar Bakhshaie
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eric A Storch
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nhan Tran
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael J Zvolensky
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Behavioral Science, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA.,Health Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Buckner JD, Walukevich KA, Lewis EM. Cannabis use motives on weekends versus weekdays: Direct and indirect relations with cannabis use and related problems. Addict Behav 2019; 88:56-60. [PMID: 30142485 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
College cannabis users report using more cannabis during the weekend than on weekdays, yet little attention has been paid to the role of weekend and weekday-specific motives for use. The present investigation evaluated the impact of weekend and weekday-specific cannabis motives on cannabis use and related problems among current (past-3 month) cannabis using undergraduates (N = 276). Participants reported more cannabis use motives during the weekend than weekday. Enhancement and social motives were greater than coping, conformity, and expansion motives during weekends. Enhancement and conformity motives were indirectly related to problems via cannabis use frequency for both weekdays and weekends. Yet social, coping, and expansion motives were indirectly related to problems via cannabis use frequency for only weekdays. Findings support the differential impact of weekend and weekday-specific motives on cannabis use and related problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia D Buckner
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, 236 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
| | - Katherine A Walukevich
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, 236 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Lewis
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, 236 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| |
Collapse
|