York University researchers found that young adults experiencing high stress, depression, and anxiety were more likely to combine binge-drinking with cannabis to increase intoxication. The findings, published in Alcohol: Clinical & Experimental Research, also indicated a greater likelihood of reporting adverse life consequences when combining the two substances.
The research team recruited 151 study participants (aged 19-25) who already used cannabis and alcohol. The participants completed baseline questionnaires assessing internalizing symptoms and simultaneous use motives. They submitted daily surveys on their cannabis and alcohol consumption and any negative consequences for three 21-day periods. The daily surveys helped calculate the number of simultaneous use days involving excessive drinking for each participant. In addition, they completed surveys about their depression, stress, and anxiety symptoms, and they shared their motives for combining alcohol and cannabis use. The participants repeated these procedures again at 6 months and 12 months post-baseline. Daily survey responses were used to calculate the number of simultaneous use days involving heavy drinking (4 or more drinks for females; 5 or more drinks for males) and light drinking at each wave for each participant.
The findings showed a clear link between mental health symptoms and participants’ motivation to combine alcohol and cannabis use. According to lead author Dr. Jeffery Wardell, “When they were feeling depressed or anxious, the participants were motivated to double things up because the thought was that it would make them feel better.” The participants also reported that they were mixing cannabis use with binge-drinking more frequently during stressful times.
Excessive use of cannabis and alcohol consumption can lead to negative effects on one’s mental, social, and physical wellness, so it is critical that young adults evaluate their mental health and frequency of substance use. Depending on substances to confront stress and anxiety is a key indicator of problematic substance use. Young adults are the most likely age group to develop cannabis use disorder (CUD), so this study’s findings provide insights that can inform policy and practices that help young adults develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Sources: Alcohol: Clinical & Experimental Research, Eureka News Alert, York University
