A qualitative examination of positive and negative consequences young adults experience from simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use.

Abstract

Objective: Alcohol and cannabis are two of the most commonly used substances among young adults, and most individuals who use both substances use them simultaneously, that is, on the same occasion such that their effects overlap. Given the high prevalence of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use, it is important to understand the relationship between simultaneous use and consequences. This study presents a qualitative examination of positive and negative consequences of simultaneous use. Method: We conducted individual interviews among 36 young adults who engage in simultaneous use (23 women, 12 men, 1 trans man). Interviews included open-ended questions examining negative and positive consequences of simultaneous use and how simultaneous use differed from single substance use (alcohol only use, cannabis only use). Interviews were analyzed using applied thematic analysis. Results: Young adults reported numerous negative and positive consequences of simultaneous use, many overlapping with single substance use. Yet, they also reported unique combinations of positive consequences not experienced by single substance use. Young adults discussed patterns of use that were sometimes approached intentionally (e.g., quantity of substances used, order) that influenced consequences. Conclusions: Together these findings provide further insight into young adults' simultaneous use experiences. Next steps should include quantitative exploratory research to identify and determine the frequency of specific consequences experienced during simultaneous use and examine the relationship between simultaneous use consequences and particular patterns of use. Public Health Significance StatementThis qualitative study found consequences overlapped between simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use and single substance use occasions, but young adults did discuss unique combinations of positive consequences during simultaneous use. Patterns of use were reported to influence consequences and were sometimes approached intentionally to reduce harms. These findings may inform future quantitative studies such that better quantitative assessment and characterization of simultaneous use consequences may help us to better understand simultaneous use outcomes.

Assessment of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use and its related consequences and cognitions in college students: A narrative review

“…Qualitative approaches would allow for the inclusion of negative and positive consequences that may be unique to or particularly relevant for SAM use, such as those outlined by Boyle et al. (2023; e.g., feeling nauseated after a particular order of use). More research is needed to develop a comprehensive consequences measure specific to SAM use that can capture its unique characteristics.…”

“…Boyle et al. (2023) conducted a qualitative examination of young adults and found that there were specific positive consequences of SAM use that were different from single substance use consequences. For example, participants reported that SAM use improved preexisting relationships.…”

“…For example, participants reported that SAM use improved preexisting relationships. Unique combinations of positive consequences were also reported for SAM use, such as lower inhibition and increased creativity as well as having more energy while also feeling relaxed (Boyle et al., 2023). These may translate directly to unique expectancies students hold for SAM use.…”

“…Unique combinations of positive consequences were also reported for SAM use, such as lower inhibition and increased creativity as well as having more energy while also feeling relaxed (Boyle et al, 2023).…”

Applying the prototype willingness model to day-level simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use.

“…Items were summed to create a total score for number of negative and number of positive consequences experienced on a simultaneous use day. Items were derived from several measures including the Brief Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire (Kahler et al, 2005), the Marijuana Problems Scale (Stephens et al, 2000), the Positive Drinking Consequences Questionnaire (Corbin et al, 2008), Marijuana Motives Questionnaire (Lee et al, 2009), Motives for Simultaneous Alcohol and Marijuana Use (Patrick et al, 2018), the Daily Alcohol-Related Consequences and Evaluations for Young Adults Measure (Lee, Cronce, et al, 2017), the Acute Hangover Scale (Rohsenow et al, 2007), and our formative qualitative work (Boyle, Singh, Lopez, Carey, et al, 2022).…”